[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 122 (Friday, June 25, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36349-36356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-15428]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Announcement of Rural Cooperative Development Grant Application
Deadlines
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
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SUMMARY: USDA Rural Development announces the availability of
approximately $7.924 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal
year (FY) 2010 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program, as
provided in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub.L.
111-80). The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications
for FY 2010 and award grants on or before August 15, 2010. The maximum
award per grant is $225,000 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.
Applicants must read this notice carefully, as program requirements
have changed.
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 August 9, 2010, to be eligible for FY 2010
grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2010 grant
funding.
Electronic copies must be received by August 9, 2010, to be
eligible for FY 2010 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible
for FY 2010 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.
[[Page 36350]]
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 August 9, 2010, to be eligible for FY 2010
grant funding. Electronic copies must be received by August 9, 2010, to
be eligible for FY 2010 grant funding.
Late applications are not eligible for FY 2010 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
implementing this authority are 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)). In addition, the Agency is
interested specifically in projects designed to help cooperatives and
mutually-owned businesses to create wealth in rural communities so that
they are self-sustaining, repopulating, and thriving economically,
using the following key USDA strategies:
i. Local and regional food systems as a strategy for encouraging
production agriculture and related industries in new wealth creation;
ii. Renewable energy generation, energy conservation, and/or
climate change adaptation or mitigation as strategies for quality job
creation;
iii. Use of broadband and other critical infrastructure as a
strategy to facilitate local entrepreneurship and expansion of market
opportunities for small businesses;
iv. Access to capital in rural areas as a strategy to ensure
continuous business development and job creation/retention; and
v. Innovative utilization of natural resources as a strategy to
expand business opportunities.
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,'' at section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a), as amended by Section 6018 of the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, are 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, or the
immediate family of either, 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 2010.
Approximate Total Funding: $7.924 million.
Approximate Number of Awards: 35
Approximate Average Award: $225,000.
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $225,000.
Anticipated Award Date: August 16, 2010.
Budget Period Length: 12 months.
Project Period Length: 12 months.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Grants may be made to nonprofit corporations and accredited
institutions of higher education. Grants may not be made to public
bodies or to individuals.
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 regarding the availability of matching funds
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. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing the
responsibilities normally associated with board/advisory council
membership versus those directly associated with specific Center
projects, the Agency will no longer accept board/advisory council
members' time as an eligible in-kind match contribution. However, in-
kind contributions from board/advisory council members in the form of
their travel, incidentals, etc. are acceptable if the Center has
established written policies explaining how these costs are normally
reimbursed, including rates, and an explanation of this policy is
included in the application. Otherwise, the in-kind contributions will
not be considered to be an eligible match and may cause the application
to be determined ineligible for funding. 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
[[Page 36351]]
than 365 consecutive days with the time period beginning no earlier
than October 1, 2010 and no later than January 3, 2011. 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, should the grantee compete
successfully for an RCDG grant during the subsequent grant cycle, the
first grant must be closed before funds can be obligated for the
subsequent grant.
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 a cooperative development center concept or they will
not be considered for funding. In addition, the following applications
will not be considered for funding. Applications that:
i. Focus assistance on only one cooperative or mutually-owned
business.
ii. Request more than the maximum grant amount.
iii. Propose ineligible costs that equal more than 10 percent of
the total project(Applications with ineligible costs of 10 percent or
less of total project costs that are selected for funding must remove
all ineligible costs from the budget and replace them with eligible
activities or reduce the amount of the grant award 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 45 days prior to the
final application deadline published in this notice. The preliminary
review will assess applicant and project eligibility, as well as
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. Missing elements will not be accepted after the final
application deadline. This preliminary review is an informal assessment
of the application and not a final evaluation of the application.
Findings of the preliminary review are courtesy only and are not
binding on the Agency nor are they appealable. Applications must be
submitted on paper or electronically.
Final paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or
sent overnight no later than August 9, 2010, to be eligible for FY 2010
grant funding. Applications postmarked, mailed, or shipped after August
9, 2010 will not be processed. Final electronic applications must be
received by August 9, 2010, to be eligible for FY 2010 grant funding.
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.
C. Content and Form of Submission
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.
The Agency will then screen all applications for eligibility 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
Applicants must complete and submit the following elements as part
of the application package.
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' must be
completed, signed, and must include a DUNS number. 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,''
must be completed and signed.
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,'' must be
completed and signed.
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 facilitate review, 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 Discussion. 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.
[[Page 36352]]
iii. Goals of the Project. The applicant must include the following
statements in this section of the narrative to 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 Measures. The Agency has established annual
performance evaluation measures to evaluate the RCDG program.
Applicants must provide estimates on the following performance
evaluation 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
(Note: where not relevant--housing, for example--the applicant should
suggest a more relevant performance measure).
Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance
(Note: where not appropriate--housing, for example--the applicant
should suggest a more appropriate performance measure).
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 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 elements in the event the proposal
receives grant funding. These additional criteria should be specific,
measurable performance elements, but are not binding on USDA.
v. Undertakings. The applicant must describe in the application how
it will undertake to do each of the following:
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 and Budget (should be presented under proposal
evaluation criterion number 6, utilizing the specific requirements in
section V.A.6).
vii. Delivery of Technical Assistance and Other Services Delivery
of technical assistance in rural areas to promote and assist the
development of cooperatively and mutually-owned businesses should be
described under proposal evaluation criterion number 2, utilizing the
specific requirements under section V.A.2.
viii. Qualifications of Personnel (should be presented under
proposal evaluation criterion number 7, utilizing the specific
requirements under section V.A.7.).
ix. Local Support (should be described under proposal evaluation
criterion number 8, utilizing the requirements in section V.A.8.).
x. Future Support (should be described under proposal evaluation
criterion number 9, utilizing the specific requirements under V.A.9.).
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 other than judgment in tax court. It is suggested
that applicants use the following language for the certification.
``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that the United States has not
obtained an unsatisfied 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 expenditures of matching funds are
pro-rated, 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 this statement for this section: ``[INSERT
NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that matching funds will be available at
the same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that
expenditures of matching funds shall be pro-rated, such that * * * 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. In the case of fund advances, the applicant
will certify that for every dollar of funds advanced, at least 25 cents
(5 cents for 1994 Institutions) of matching funds will be expended.
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 of
the application 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 operations and cannot be
used to provide services which directly benefit
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the third-party contributor. Contributors of cash matching
contributions may not limit or direct 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 the following:
Only goods or services for which no expenditure is made
can be considered in-kind.
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, but the applicant must be able to
demonstrate how the valuation was derived at the time of notification
of tentative selection for the grant award, or the grant award may be
withdrawn or the amount of the grant may be reduced. Matching 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 to provide services 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 applicable 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: August 9, 2010.
Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be postmarked by
the deadline date (see Section IV.G 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 (EO) 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 (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(5)and 7 U.S.C.
1932(e)(4)(c)):
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 (7 U.S.C. 1932(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 pay for the operating costs of any recipient entity.
xi. To fund research and development;
xii. To pay costs of the project where a conflict of interest
exists; or
xiii. To fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 or
3019.
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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 by page number 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. Proposed
or newly established Centers must be organized well-enough at time of
application to address its capabilities for meeting these 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 in support of development assistance to
cooperatively and mutually owned businesses. At a minimum, applicants
must discuss the following capabilities:
i. Financial systems and audit controls;
ii. Personnel and program administration performance measures;
iii. Clear written rules of governance; and
iv. Experience administering Federal grant funding, including but
not limited to past RCDG's.
Applicants that discuss the Center's administrative capabilities
and track record, versus those of umbrella or supporting institutions,
such as universities or parent organizations, will score higher.
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 must discuss:
i. Their potential for delivering effective technical assistance:
ii. The types of assistance provided:
iii. The expected effects of that assistance;
iv. The sustainability of organizations receiving the assistance;
and
v. 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 score higher. Applicants that discuss the demonstrated
expertise specific to the Center (as opposed to umbrella or supporting
institutions such as universities or parent organizations) will score
higher.
3. Economic development. (maximum score of 15 points) The Agency
will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated ability to facilitate:
i. Establishment of cooperatives or mutually-owned businesses,
ii. New cooperative approaches, and
iii. Retention of businesses, generation of employment
opportunities or other factors, as applicable, that will otherwise
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 score higher.
4. Networking and regional focus. (maximum score of 10 points) The
Agency will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated commitment to:
i. Networking with other cooperative development centers, and other
organizations involved in rural economic development efforts, as well
as,
ii. Developing multi-organization and multi-state approaches to
addressing the economic development and cooperative needs of rural
areas.
New or proposed Centers are expected to be developed enough to
address this criteria.
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 and describe
the underserved and economically distressed areas within their service
area, provide statistics, and identify projects within or affecting
these areas, as appropriate, will score higher.
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:
i. Specific tasks (whether it be by type of service or specific
project) to be completed using grant and matching funds;
ii. How customers will be identified;
iii. Key personnel; and
iv. 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:
i. Positive solutions for complex cooperative development and/or
marketing problems; or
ii. 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; and
iii. 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 score higher.
8. Local support. (maximum score of 10 points) The Agency will
evaluate applications for previous and/or 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 score higher. Support
should be discussed directly within the response to this criterion. The
applicant may also 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
[[Page 36355]]
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:
i. New and existing funding sources that support its goals;
ii. Alternative funding sources that reduce reliance on Federal,
State, and local grants; and
iii. 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 score higher.
10. Special Emphasis. (maximum score 10 points) The Agency will
evaluate the applicant's demonstrated ability to implement projects
designed to help cooperatives and mutually-owned businesses to create
wealth in rural communities so that they are self-sustaining,
repopulating, and thriving economically, using the following key USDA
strategies:
vi. Local and regional food systems as a strategy for encouraging
production agriculture and related industries in new wealth creation;
vii. Renewable energy generation, energy conservation, and/or
climate change adaptation or mitigation as strategies for quality job
creation;
viii. Use of broadband and other critical infrastructure as a
strategy to facilitate local entrepreneurship and expansion of market
opportunities for small businesses;
ix. Access to capital in rural areas as a strategy to ensure
continuous business development and job creation/retention; and
x. Innovative utilization of natural resources as a strategy to
expand business opportunities.
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 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 August 16, 2010.
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.''
Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
This Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) has been reviwed in
accordance with 7 CFR Part 1940, subpart G, ``Environmental Program.''
Rural Development has determined that an Environmental Impact Statement
is not required because the issuance of regulations and instructions,
as well as amendments to them, describing administrative and financial
procedures for processing, approving, and implementing the Agency's
financial programs is categorically excluded in the Agency's NEPA
regulation found at 7 CFR 1940.310(e) of Subpart G, Environmental
Program. Thus, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C 4321-4347), Rural Development has determined
that this NOFA does not constitute a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment. Furthermore, individual
awards under this NOFA are hereby classified ad Categorical Exclusions
according to 1940.310(e), the award of financial assistance for
planning purposes, management and feasibility studies, or environmental
impact analyses, which do not require any additional documentation.
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-425. A ``Federal Financial 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.
[[Page 36356]]
Number of cooperatives incorporated.
Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance
(Note: where not relevant-housing, for example--the applicant should
suggest a more relevant performance measure).
Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance
(Note: where not relevant-housing, for example--the applicant should
suggest a more relevant performance measure).
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.
Additional performance measures identified by the grantee
in Section 4(iv) of the application and accepted as binding in the
Grant Agreement.
Need something for any additional performance measures suggested by
applicant and adopted by USDA.
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, Room.
4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250, telephone: (202) 720-8460, e-
mail: [email protected].
VIII. Nondiscrimination Statement
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.
Dated: June 17, 2010.
Judith A. Canales,
Administrator, Rural Business Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-15428 Filed 6-24-10; 8:45 am]
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