[Federal Register: April 29, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 81)]
[Notices]
[Page 19485-19492]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29ap09-30]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Announcement of Rural Cooperative Development Grant Application
Deadlines
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program is
administered through USDA Rural Development on a competitive basis.
USDA Rural Development announces the availability of approximately
$4.424 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2009
Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program. The intended effect
of this notice is to solicit applications for FY 2009 and award grants
on or before September 15, 2009. The maximum award per grant is
$200,000 and matching funds are required. In accordance with section
310B(e)(6)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1932(e)) as amended by section 6013 of the Food, Conservation
and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary has determined that a grant
period of one year is in the best interest of the program at this time.
DATES: Applications for grants must be submitted on paper or
electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent
overnight no later than June 29, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009 grant
funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2009 grant funding.
[[Page 19486]]
Electronic copies must be received by June 29, 2009, to be eligible
for FY 2009 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY
2009 grant funding.
ADDRESSES: Application materials for a RCDG may be obtained at http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm or by contacting the
applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office. Contact information
for State Offices can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/
rcdg/Contacts.htm. Submit completed paper applications for a grant to
Cooperative Programs, Attn: RCDG Program, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW., Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250. The
phone number that should be used for courier delivery is (202) 720-
8460.
Submit electronic grant applications at http://www.grants.gov,
following the instructions found on this Web site.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm for application assistance
or contact your USDA Rural Development State Office.
Contact information may be obtained at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
rbs/coops/rcdg/Contacts.htm. Applicants are encouraged to contact their
State Offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects
and ask any questions about the application process.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Cooperative Development Grant.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.771.
Dates: Application Deadline: Completed applications for grants may
be submitted on paper or electronically according to the following
deadlines:
Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent
overnight no later than June 29, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009 grant
funding. Electronic copies must be received by June 29, 2009, to be
eligible for FY 2009 grant funding.
Late applications are not eligible for FY 2009 grant funding.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
RCDGs are authorized by section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)) as amended by section 6013
of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. Regulations are
contained in 7 CFR part 4284, subparts A and F. The primary objective
of the RCDG program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas
through cooperative development. Grant funds are provided for the
establishment and operation of Centers that have the expertise or who
can contract out for the expertise to assist individuals or entities in
the startup, expansion or operational improvement of rural businesses,
especially cooperative or mutually-owned businesses (section
310B(e)(5)). The program is administered through USDA Rural Development
State Offices.
Definitions
The definitions published at 7 CFR 4284.3 and 7 CFR 4284.504 are
incorporated by reference. The definition of ``rural'' and ``rural
area,'' as amended at section 6018(13)(A) of the Food, Conservation and
Energy Act of 2008 is also incorporated by reference. In addition,
since there has been some confusion on the Agency's meaning of the term
``conflict of interest,'' the Agency is providing clarification on what
it means by this term.
Conflict of interest--A situation in which the ability of a person
or entity to act impartially would be questionable due to competing
professional or personal interests. An example of conflict of interest
occurs when the grantee's employees, board of directors, including
their immediate family, have a legal or personal financial interest in
the recipients receiving the benefits or services of the grant.
Mutually-owned business--An organization owned and governed by
members who either are its consumers, producers, employees, or
suppliers.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2009.
Approximate Total Funding: $4.424 million.
Approximate Number of Awards: 22.
Approximate Average Award: $200,000.
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $200,000.
Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2009.
Budget Period Length: 12 months.
Project Period Length: 12 months.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Grants may be made to nonprofit corporations and institutions of
higher education. Grants may not be made to public bodies.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
The matching fund requirement is 25 percent of the total project
cost (5 percent in the case of 1994 Institutions). Applicants must
verify in their applications that all matching funds are available
during the grant period. If an applicant is awarded a grant, additional
verification documentation may be required. All of the matching funds
must be spent on eligible expenses during the grant period, and must be
from eligible sources. Unless provided by other authorizing
legislation, other Federal grant funds cannot be used as matching
funds. However, matching funds may include loan proceeds from Federal
sources. Matching funds must be spent in advance or as a pro-rata
portion of grant funds being expended. All of the matching funds must
be provided by either the applicant or a third party in the form of
cash or in-kind contributions. The Center must be able to document and
verify the number of hours worked and the value associated with the in-
kind contribution. Additionally, if the in-kind contributions are from
board/advisory council members for their travel, incidentals, etc., the
Center must have established written policies explaining how these
costs are normally reimbursed, including rates, and an explanation of
this policy must be included in the application. Otherwise, the in-kind
contributions will not be considered eligible and may cause the
application to be determined ineligible for funding. Please note that
priority is no longer given to matching contributions greater than the
required 25 percent. Therefore, to reduce the paperwork burden of the
applicant with regard to verification of matching funds, the Agency
will no longer accept board/advisory council members' time as an
eligible match. In-kind contributions provided by individuals,
businesses, or cooperatives which are being assisted by the Center can
not be provided for the direct benefit of their own projects as USDA
Rural Development considers this to be a conflict of interest or the
appearance of a conflict of interest.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements
Grant Period Eligibility: Applications should have a timeframe of
no more than 365 consecutive days with the time period beginning no
earlier than October 1, 2009 and no later than January 1, 2010.
Projects must be completed within the 1-year timeframe. The Agency may
approve requests to extend the grant period for up to twelve months at
the discretion of the Agency. However, the grant must be closed 30
[[Page 19487]]
days prior to the application deadline for the subsequent grant cycle
or the grantee will not be eligible to apply for funding for the next
fiscal year.
Completeness Eligibility: Applications without sufficient
information to determine eligibility and scoring will be considered
ineligible. Applications that are non-responsive to this notice will be
considered ineligible.
Activity Eligibility: Applications must propose the development or
continuation of the cooperative development center concept or they will
not be considered for funding. Additionally, applications that focus
assistance on only one cooperative or mutually-owned business will not
be considered for funding. Applications requesting more than the
maximum grant amount will not be considered for funding. Applications
that have ineligible costs that equal more than 10 percent of the total
project costs will be determined ineligible, and will not be considered
for funding. If an application has ineligible costs of 10 percent or
less of total project costs and is selected for funding, the applicant
must remove all ineligible costs from the budget and replace them with
eligible activities or the amount of the grant award will be reduced
accordingly.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Request Application Package
The application package for applying on paper for this funding
opportunity can be obtained at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/
rcdg/rcdg.htm. For electronic applications, applicants must visit
http://www.grants.gov and follow the instructions.
B. Submission Dates and Times
Applicants may submit their applications to their State Rural
Development Office for a preliminary review up to 30 days prior to the
final application deadline published in this notice. The preliminary
review will assess applicant and project eligibility of the application
and completeness of the application in terms of presence of the
required elements. Should the Agency identify missing or incomplete
elements, the applicant will be notified and given an opportunity to
submit the missing elements before the final deadline published in the
Federal Register. This preliminary review is an informal assessment of
the application and not an evaluation of the quality of the proposal.
Findings of the preliminary review are courtesy only and are not
binding on the Agency nor are they appealable.
Final paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or
sent overnight no later than June 29, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009
grant funding. Applications postmarked, mailed, or shipped after June
29, 2009 will not be processed. Final electronic applications must be
received by June 29, 2009, to be eligible for FY 2009 grant funding.
C. Content and Form of Submission
Applications must be submitted on paper or electronically. An
application guide may be viewed at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/
coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm. It is recommended that applicants use the template
provided on the Web site. The template can be filled out electronically
and printed out for submission with the required forms for paper
submission or it can be filled out electronically and submitted as an
attachment through http://www.grants.gov.
The submission must include all pages of the application. It is
recommended that the application be in black and white, not color.
Those evaluating the application will only receive black and white
images.
If the application is submitted electronically, the applicant must
follow the instructions given at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants are
advised to visit the site well in advance of the application deadline
if they plan to apply electronically to ensure they have obtained the
proper authentication and have sufficient computer resources to
complete the application.
Applicants must complete and submit the following elements. The
Agency will then screen all applications for eligibility and to
determine whether the application is sufficiently responsive to the
requirements set forth in this notice to allow for an informed review.
Information submitted as part of the application will be protected to
the extent permitted by law. An application guide and forms are
available online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm.
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' The form
must be completed, signed and submitted as part of the application
package.
Please note that applicants are required to have a DUNS number to
apply for a grant from USDA Rural Development. The DUNS number is a
nine-digit identification number which uniquely identifies business
entities. There is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://
www.dnb.com/us/ or call 866-705-5711. For more information, see the
RCDG Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm or
contact the applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office. Contact
information for State Offices can be found at http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/Contacts.htm.
2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
This form must be completed and submitted as part of the application
package.
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' This
form must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the
application package.
4. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants. The Agency
is required to make this survey available to all nonprofit applicants.
Submission of this form is voluntary.
5. Title Page. To include the title of the project as well as any
other relevant identifying information.
6. Table of Contents. To include page numbers for each component of
the application.
7. Executive Summary. A summary of the proposal, not to exceed two
pages, must briefly describe the Center, including project goals and
tasks to be accomplished, the amount requested, how the work will be
performed (e.g., Center staff, consultants, or contractors) and the
percentage of work that will be performed among the parties.
8. Eligibility. The applicant must describe, not to exceed two
pages, how it meets the applicant, matching, grant period and activity
eligibility requirements.
9. Proposal Narrative. The proposal narrative is limited to a total
of 40 pages.
i. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief,
not to exceed 75 characters, yet describe the essentials of the
project. If a title page was included under number 5 above, it is not
necessary to include an additional title page under this section.
ii. Information Sheet. A separate one-page information sheet
listing each of the evaluation criteria referenced in this funding
announcement, followed by the page numbers of all relevant material and
documentation contained in the proposal that address or support the
criteria. If the evaluation criteria are listed on the Table of
Contents and specifically and individually addressed in narrative form,
then it is not necessary to include an information sheet under this
section.
iii. Goals of the Project. The applicant must include the following
statements in this section of the narrative to
[[Page 19488]]
demonstrate that the Center is following these statutory requirements:
1. A statement that substantiates that the Center will effectively
serve rural areas in the United States;
2. A statement that the primary objective of the Center will be to
improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative
development;
3. A description of the contributions that the proposed activities
are likely to make to the improvement of the economic conditions of the
rural areas for which the Center will provide services. Expected
economic impacts should be tied to tasks included in the work plan and
budget; and
4. A statement that the Center, in carrying out its activities,
will seek, where appropriate, the advice, participation, expertise, and
assistance of representatives of business, industry, educational
institutions, the Federal Government, and State and local governments.
iv. Performance Evaluation Criteria. The Agency has established
annual performance measures to evaluate the RCDG program. Applicants
may provide estimates on the following performance measures.
Number of groups who are not legal entities assisted.
Number of businesses that are not cooperatives assisted.
Number of cooperatives assisted.
Number of businesses incorporated that are not
cooperatives.
Number of cooperatives incorporated.
Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance.
Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance.
Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG
funding.
Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG
funding.
If the application is selected for funding, the applicant will be
required to report actual numbers for these performance elements on a
semi-annual basis and in the final performance report. Additional
information on post-award requirements can be found in Section VI.
Applicants must also suggest additional performance criteria in the
event the proposal receives grant funding. These additional voluntary
criteria should be specific, measurable performance criteria, but are
not binding on USDA.
v. Undertakings. The applicant must include the following
statements in this section of the narrative and expressly undertake to
do them.
1. Take all practicable steps to develop continuing sources of
financial support for the Center, particularly from sources in the
private sectors;
2. Make arrangements for the Center's activities to be monitored
and evaluated; and
3. Provide an accounting for the money received by the grantee in
accordance with 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F.
vi. Work Plan. Please see section V. A. 6. for specific
requirements on the work plan and budget. The work plan and budget
should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 6. It is
not necessary to include the work plan and budget under this section.
vii. Delivery of Technical Assistance and Other Services. Please
see section V. A. 2. for specific requirements on delivery of technical
assistance in rural areas to promote and assist the development of
cooperatively and mutually owned businesses. Delivery should be
presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 2. It is not
necessary to include discussion on delivery of technical assistance
under this section.
viii. Qualifications of Personnel. Please see section V. A. 7. for
specific requirements on qualifications of personnel. Qualifications of
personnel should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion
number 7. It is not necessary to include discussion on qualifications
of personnel under this section.
ix. Local Support. Please see section V. A. 8. for specific
requirements for local support. Local support should be presented under
proposal evaluation criterion number 8. It is not necessary to include
discussion of local support under this section.
x. Future Support. Please see section V. A. 9. for specific
requirements on future support. Future support should be presented
under proposal evaluation criterion number 9. It is not necessary to
include discussion on future support under this section.
xi. Proposal Evaluation Criteria. Each of the evaluation criteria
referenced in this funding announcement must be specifically and
individually addressed in narrative form. Applications that do not
address all of the proposal evaluation criteria will be considered
ineligible. See Section V. A. for a description of the Proposal
Evaluation Criteria.
10. Certification of Judgment Owed to the United States. Applicants
must certify that there are no current outstanding Federal judgments
against them. No grant funds shall be used to pay a judgment obtained
by the United States. It is suggested that applicants use the following
language for the certification. ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies
that the United States has not obtained a judgment against it and will
not use grant funds to pay any judgments obtained by the United
States.'' A separate signature is not required.
11. Certification of Matching Funds. Applicants must certify that
matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are
anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent in
advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of the total
project cost, not less than the required amount of matching funds will
have been expended prior to submitting the request for reimbursement.
Please note that this certification is a separate requirement from the
Verification of Matching Funds requirement. To satisfy the
Certification requirement, applicants should include a statement for
this section that reads as follows: ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT]
certifies that matching funds will be available at the same time grant
funds are anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent
in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of the total
project cost, at least 25 cents (5 cents for 1994 Institutions) of
matching funds will have been expended prior to submitting the request
for reimbursement.'' A separate signature is not required.
12. Verification of Matching Funds. Applicants must provide
documentation of all proposed matching funds, both cash and in-kind.
Matching funds must be used for eligible purposes and expenditures for
this grant program. The documentation must be included in Appendix A
and will not count towards the 40-page limitation. Template letters for
each type of matching funds are available at http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/verifymatchsample.doc.
If matching funds are to be provided in cash, the following
requirements must be met at the time of application. Additional
documentation may be required if a grant is awarded.
Applicant: The application must include a statement verifying (1)
the amount of the cash and (2) the source of the cash. If the applicant
is paying for goods and/or services as part of the matching funds
contribution, the expenditure is considered a cash match, and should be
verified as such.
Third-party: The application must include a signed letter from the
third party verifying (1) how much cash will be donated and (2) that it
will be available corresponding to the proposed grant period or donated
on a specific date within the grant period. Cash matching contributions
from third-parties are to be used for Center
[[Page 19489]]
operations and cannot be used to provide services which directly
benefit the third-party contributor. Contributors of cash matching
contributions may not limit how or where the Center may use the
contributions.
If matching funds are to be provided by an in-kind donation, the
following requirements must be met.
Applicant: The application must include a signed letter from the
applicant or its authorized representative verifying (1) the nature of
the goods and/or services to be donated and how they will be used (2)
when the goods and/or services will be donated (i.e., corresponding to
the proposed grant period or to specific dates within the grant period)
and (3) the value of the goods and/or services.
Third-Party: The application must include a signed letter from the
third party verifying (1) the nature of the goods and/or services to be
donated and how they will be used, (2) when the goods and/or services
will be donated (i.e., corresponding to the proposed grant period or to
specific dates within the grant period when matching contributions will
be made available) and (3) the value of the goods and/or services. It
should be noted that non-profit or other organizations contributing the
services of affiliated volunteers must follow the third-party
verification requirement above, for each individual volunteer.
Applicants should note that only goods or services for which no
expenditure is made can be considered in-kind. Verification for in-kind
contributions that are over-valued will not be accepted. The valuation
process for in-kind funds does not need to be included in the
application. However, the applicant must be able to demonstrate how the
valuation was derived at the time of notification of tentative
selection for the grant award. If the applicant cannot satisfactorily
demonstrate how the valuation was determined, the grant award may be
withdrawn or the amount of the grant may be reduced.
Verification for funds donated outside the proposed time period of
the grant will not be accepted.
Examples of unacceptable matching funds are in-kind contributions
from individuals, businesses, or cooperatives being assisted by the
Center to benefit their own project, donations of fixed equipment and
buildings, and costs related to the preparation of the RCDG application
package.
Expected program income may not be used to fulfill the matching
funds requirement at the time of application. However, if there are
contracts in place at the time of application, they may be treated as
cash match. If program income is earned during the time period of the
grant, it is subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 3015, subpart F
and 7 CFR part 3019.24 and any provisions in the Grant Agreement.
D. Submission Dates and Times
Application Deadline Date: June 29, 2009.
Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be postmarked by
the deadline date (see Section IV.F for the address). Electronic
applications must be received by http://www.grants.gov by the deadline
date. If the application does not meet the deadline above, it will not
be considered for funding. The applicant will be notified if the
application does not meet the submission requirements. The applicant
will also be notified by mail or by e-mail if the application is
received on time.
E. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental review of Federal
programs, applies to this program. This EO requires that Federal
agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance
with State and local governments. Many states have established a Single
Point of Contact (SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. For a list of
states that maintain an SPOC, please see the White House Web site:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. If an applicant's state
has an SPOC, the applicant may submit a copy of the application
directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be
provided to USDA Rural Development for consideration as part of the
application. If the applicant's state has not established an SPOC, or
the applicant does not want to submit a copy of the application, USDA
Rural Development will submit the application to the SPOC or other
appropriate agency or agencies.
Applicants are also encouraged to contact the USDA Rural
Development State Office for assistance and questions on this process.
Contact information for USDA Rural Development State Offices can be
viewed at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/Contacts.htm.
F. Funding Restrictions
Funding restrictions apply to both grant funds and matching funds.
Grant funds may be used to pay up to 75 percent (95 percent where the
grantee is a 1994 Institution) of the total project cost.
1. Grant funds and matching funds may be used for, but are not
limited to, providing the following to individuals, small businesses,
cooperative and mutually-owned businesses and other similar entities in
rural areas served by the Center (section 310B(e)(5)):
i. Applied research, feasibility, environmental and other studies
that may be useful for the purpose of cooperative development.
ii. Collection, interpretation and dissemination of principles,
facts, technical knowledge, or other information for the purpose of
cooperative development.
iii. Training and instruction for the purpose of cooperative
development.
iv. Loans and grants for the purpose of cooperative development in
accordance with this notice and applicable regulations.
v. Technical assistance, research services and advisory services
for the purpose of cooperative development.
vi. Programs providing for the coordination of services and sharing
of information among the Centers (section 310B(e)(4)(C)(vi).
2. No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used
for any of the following activities:
i. To duplicate current services or replace or substitute support
previously provided. If the current service is inadequate, however,
grant funds may be used to expand the level of effort or services
beyond that which is currently being provided;
ii. To pay costs of preparing the application package for funding
under this program;
iii. To pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of
grant approval;
iv. To fund political or lobbying activities;
v. To pay for assistance to any private business enterprise that
does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either
citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after
being legally admitted for permanent residence;
vi. To pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
vii. To plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a
building or facility, including a processing facility;
viii. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including
laboratory equipment or processing machinery;
ix. To pay for the repair of privately owned vehicles;
x. To fund research and development;
xi. To pay costs of the project where a conflict of interest
exists; or
xii. To fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 or 3019.
[[Page 19490]]
G. Other Submission Requirements
A paper application for a grant must be submitted to Cooperative
Programs, Attn: RCDG Program, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop
3250, Room 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that
should be used for courier delivery is (202) 720-8460. Electronically
submitted applications must apply using the following internet address:
http://www.grants.gov. Applications may not be submitted by electronic
mail, facsimile, or by hand-delivery. Each application submission must
contain all required documents.
V. Application Review Information
A. Proposal Evaluation Criteria
All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based on
the following criteria. Evaluators will base scores only on the
information provided or cross-referenced in each individual evaluation
criterion. The maximum amount of points available is 100. Note: Newly
established or proposed Centers that do not yet have a track record on
which to evaluate the following criteria should refer to the expertise
and track records of staff or consultants expected to perform tasks
related to the respective criteria.
1. Administrative capabilities in support of Center activities.
(maximum score of 10 points) The Agency will evaluate the application
to determine whether the applicant demonstrates a proven track record
in carrying out activities to promote and assist the development of
cooperatively and mutually owned businesses. Applicants that discuss
the capabilities of their financial systems and audit controls,
personnel and program administration performance measures and clear
rules of governance that will be utilized, either in-house or by
supporting institutions to support Center activities will receive more
points.
2. Technical assistance and other services. (maximum score of 15
points) The Agency will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated expertise
in providing technical assistance and accomplishing effective outcomes
in rural areas to promote and assist the development of cooperatively
and mutually-owned businesses. The applicant should also discuss their
potential for delivering effective technical assistance, the types of
assistance provided, the expected effects of that assistance, the
sustainability of organizations receiving the assistance, and the
transferability of its cooperative development strategies and focus to
other areas of the U.S. Applicants that evidence effective delivery
systems for cooperative development will receive more points.
3. Economic development. (maximum score of 15 points) The Agency
will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated ability to assist in the
retention of businesses, facilitate the establishment of cooperatives
and new cooperative approaches and generate employment opportunities
that will improve the economic conditions of rural areas. Applicants
that provide statistics for historical and potential development and
identify their role in economic development outcomes will receive more
points.
4. Networking and regional focus. (maximum score of 10 points) The
Agency will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated commitment to (a)
networking with other cooperative development centers, and other
organizations involved in rural economic development efforts, as well
as (b) developing multi-organization and multi-state approaches to
addressing the economic development and cooperative needs of rural
areas.
5. Commitment. (maximum score of 10 points) The Agency will
evaluate the applicant's commitment to providing technical assistance
and other services to under-served and economically distressed areas in
rural areas of the United States. Applicants that define the
underserved and economically distressed areas within their service
area, provide statistics, and identify projects within or affecting
these areas, as appropriate, will receive more points.
6. Work Plan/Budget. (maximum score of 10 points) The work plan
will be reviewed for detailed actions and an accompanying timetable for
implementing the proposal. Clear, logical, realistic and efficient
plans will result in a higher score. Budgets will be reviewed for
completeness and the quality of non-Federal funding commitments.
Applicants must discuss the specific tasks (whether it be by type of
service or specific project) to be completed using grant and matching
funds. The work plan should reflect projects initiated by the applicant
and in which the applicant plays a key role. The work plan should also
show how customers will be identified, key personnel to be involved,
and the evaluation methods to be used to determine the success of
specific tasks and overall objectives of Center operations. The budget
must present a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with
cooperative development activities as well as the operation of the
Center and allocate these costs to each of the tasks to be undertaken.
Matching funds as well as grant funds must be accounted for in the
budget.
7. Qualifications of those performing the tasks. (maximum score of
10 points) The Agency will evaluate the application to determine if the
personnel expected to perform key tasks have a track record of positive
solutions for complex cooperative development and/or marketing
problems, or a successful record of conducting accurate feasibility
studies, business plans, marketing analysis, or other activities
relevant to applicant's success as determined by the tasks identified
in the applicants work plan. The applicant must also identify whether
the personnel expected to perform the tasks are full/part-time
employees of the applicant or are contract personnel. Applicants that
evidence commitment/availability of qualified personnel expected to
perform the tasks will receive more points.
8. Local support. (maximum score of 10 points) The Agency will
evaluate applications for previous and expected local support for the
applicant, and plans for coordinating with other developmental
organizations in the proposed service area or with state and local
government institutions. Applicants that evidence strong support from
potential beneficiaries and formal evidence of intent to coordinate
with other developmental organizations will receive more points.
Support should be discussed directly within the response to this
criterion. The applicant may submit a maximum of 10 letters of support
or intent to coordinate with the application. These letters should be
included in Appendix B of the application and will not count against
the 40-page limit for the narrative.
9. Future support. (maximum score of 10 points) The Agency will
evaluate the applicant's vision for funding its operations in future
years. Applicants should document new and existing funding sources that
support its goals. Applicants should also discuss reliance on Federal,
State, and local grants; and the use of in-house personnel for
providing services versus contracting out for that expertise.
Applications that evidence vision and likelihood of long-term
sustainability with diversification of funding sources and building in-
house technical assistance capacity will receive more points.
B. Review and Selection Process
The Agency will screen all of the proposals to determine whether
the application is eligible and sufficiently responsive to the
requirements set forth
[[Page 19491]]
in this notice to allow for an informed review.
The Agency will evaluate applications using a panel of qualified
reviewers who will score the applications in accordance with the point
allocation specified in this notice. Applications will be submitted to
the Administrator in rank order, together with funding level
recommendations.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Award Date: The announcement of award selections is expected to
occur on or about September 15, 2009.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a notification of tentative
selection for funding from USDA Rural Development. Applicants must
comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the grant
award will be approved. Unsuccessful applicants will receive
notification by mail, including appeal rights, as appropriate.
Consolidated comments for reviewed applications will be made available.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
7 CFR parts 3015, 3019, and 4284 are applicable to this program. To
view these regulations, please see the following internet address:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for this program:
Grant Agreement.
Letter of Conditions.
Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
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 Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements (Grants).''
Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
RD Instruction 1940-Q, Exhibit A-1, ``Certification for
Contracts, Grants and Loans,'' including Standard Form (SF) LLL,
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.''
Additional information on these requirements can be found at http:/
/www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm.
Reporting Requirements: Grantees must provide USDA Rural
Development with an original or electronic copy that includes all
required signatures of the following reports. The reports should be
submitted to the Agency contact listed on the Grant Agreement and
Letter of Conditions. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on time
may result in suspension or termination of the grant.
1. Form SF-269 or SF-269A. A ``Financial Status Report'' listing
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a semi-
annual basis. Reporting periods end each March 31 and September 30.
Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends.
2. Semi-annual performance reports that compare accomplishments to
the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed to
date and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the
original schedule provided in the work plan is not being met, the
report should discuss the problems or delays that may affect completion
of the project. Objectives for the next reporting period should be
listed. Compliance with any special conditions on the use of award
funds should be discussed. The report should also include a summary at
the end of the report with the following elements to assist in
documenting the annual performance goals of the RCDG program for
Congress.
Number of groups who are not legal entities assisted.
Number of businesses that are not cooperatives assisted.
Number of cooperatives assisted.
Number of businesses incorporated that are not
cooperatives.
Number of cooperatives incorporated.
Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance.
Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance.
Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG
funding.
Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG
funding.
Reports are due as provided in paragraph 1 of this section.
Supporting documentation must also be submitted for completed tasks.
The supporting documentation for completed tasks includes, but is not
limited to: Feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans,
publication quality success stories, applied research reports, copies
of surveys conducted, articles of incorporation and bylaws and an
accounting of how outreach, training, and other funds were expended.
3. Final project performance reports. These reports shall include
all of the requirements of the semi-annual performance reports and
responses to the following:
i. What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program?
ii. What advice would the grantee give to other organizations
planning a similar program? These should include strengths and
limitations of the program. If the grantee had the opportunity, what
would they have done differently?
iii. If an innovative approach was used successfully, the grantee
should describe their program in detail so that other organizations
might consider replication in their areas.
The final performance report is due within 90 days of the
completion of the project.
VII. Agency Contacts
For general questions about this announcement and for program
technical assistance, applicants should contact their USDA Rural
Development State Office at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/
Contacts.htm. If an applicant is unable to contact their State Office,
please contact a nearby State Office or the USDA Rural Development
National Office at 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 3250, Rm.
4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250, telephone: (202) 720-8460, e-
mail: cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,
national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital
status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation,
genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program
information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a
complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or
call (866) 632-9992 (voice) or (202) 401-0216 (TDD). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
[[Page 19492]]
Dated: April 14, 2009.
Pat Fiala,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. E9-9759 Filed 4-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P