[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 241 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78667-78673]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31648]
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Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
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statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 241 / Thursday, December 16, 2010 /
Notices
[[Page 78667]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--Chesapeake Bay
Watershed
AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation and Natural Resources Conservation
Service, Department of Agriculture.
ACTION: Notice of Request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: The purpose of this request for proposals is to solicit
proposals from potential partner applicants who seek to enter into
partnership agreements with the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--
Chesapeake Bay Watershed (CCPI-CBW) in order to provide assistance to
producers enrolled in a conservation program. The NRCS is the
administrator of CCPI-CBW.
CCPI-CBW was established by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (2008 Act). CCPI-CBW is a voluntary conservation initiative
that enables the use of certain conservation programs, combined with
resources from eligible partners who have entered into partnership
agreements with NRCS, to provide financial and technical assistance to
owners and operators of agricultural and nonindustrial private forest
lands. Through fiscal year (FY) 2011 CCPI-CBW, NRCS will make
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat
Incentive Program (WHIP) funds available to eligible producers in
approved CCPI-CBW project areas. Special priority consideration will be
given to applications/projects in the river basins of the Patuxent,
Potomac (North and South), Shenandoah, and Susquehanna (see attached
map). In addition, priority will be given to applications/projects in
the NRCS Chesapeake Bay Watershed priority areas (see attached map).
DATES: Effective Date: The notice of request is effective December 16,
2010. Proposals must be received on or before January 31, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Applicants are highly encouraged to submit proposals
electronically to [email protected]. Identify the proposal is for CCPI-
CBW.
Paper proposals may be submitted via courier service to Dana D.
York, Director, Watershed and Landscape Programs Division, Department
of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6015 South Building, Washington, DC
20250. CCPI-CBW proposal should be marked on the envelope.
Do not send submissions via registered or certified mail. Do not
send the same proposal to both the e-mail and mailing address; use only
one method to submit a proposal. If submitting more than one project
proposal, submit each one separately.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana D. York, Director, Watershed and
Landscape Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room
5239 South Building, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: (202) 720-8851;
Fax: (202) 720-2998; E-mail: [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact
the USDA TARGET Center at: (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--Chesapeake Bay
Watershed
Overview of the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The CCPI-CBW is a voluntary conservation initiative that enables
the use of certain conservation programs, combined with resources from
eligible partners, to provide financial and technical assistance to
owners and operators of agricultural and nonindustrial private forest
lands in order to enhance conservation outcomes and achieve resource
conservation objectives. The functions of CCPI-CBW are described in two
parts: CCPI-CBW partners and CCPI-CBW program participants.
CCPI-CBW Partners
Under CCPI-CBW, eligible potential partners may submit proposals
addressing the criteria outlined in this request for proposals.
Partners who may enter into partnership agreements with NRCS include
federally recognized Indian tribes, State and local units of
government, producer associations, farmer cooperatives, institutions of
higher education, and nongovernmental organizations with a history of
working cooperatively with producers to effectively address
conservation priorities related to agricultural production and
nonindustrial private forest land. Individual agricultural producers
are not an eligible partner entity and may not submit CCPI-CBW
proposals.
When Submitting a Proposal and Being a Partner
Proposals will be evaluated in a competitive review process. NRCS
will use the proposal ranking score along with other review commentary
to select proposals for funding. After selection, the partners will
enter into a partnership agreement with NRCS. The partnership agreement
will not obligate funds, but will address:
1. The role of the partner;
2. The role of NRCS;
3. The responsibilities of the partner as it relates to the
monitoring and evaluation;
4. The frequency and duration of monitoring and evaluation to be
completed by the partner;
5. The format and frequency of reports (semi-annual, annual, and
final) required as a condition of the partnership agreement;
6. Budget which includes other funding sources (if applicable) for
financial and technical assistance;
7. The specified project schedule and timeframe; and
8. Other requirements deemed necessary by NRCS to further the
purposes of the CCPI-CBW project.
Where flexibility is needed to meet project objectives, the partner
may request that program adjustments be allowed, provided such policy
adjustments are within the scope of the applicable program's statutory
and regulatory program authorities. An example of a program adjustment
may
[[Page 78668]]
be to expedite the applicable program ranking process in a situation
where a partner has identified the producers approved to participate in
the project. Another example of a program adjustment may include
flexibility in payment rate, or using a single area-wide plan of
operations rather than individual plan of operations. An example of
program authority that cannot be waived under the provision of CCPI-CBW
flexibility includes program payment limits, maximum practice payment
percentages, and participant eligibility requirements. Questions
regarding proposed requests for CCPI-CBW flexibility may be directed
to: [email protected].
CCPI-CBW is not a grant program, and all Federal funds made
available through this request for proposals will be paid directly to
producers through program contract agreements. No technical assistance
funding may be provided to a partner through the CCPI-CBW partnership
agreement. However, if requested by a partner, the State
Conservationist may consider developing a separate contribution
agreement to provide funding for delivery of technical services to
producers participating in an approved CCPI-CBW project.
CCPI-CBW Program Participants
Once the agency approves and announces the selected partner
projects, eligible agricultural producers located within the approved
project areas may apply directly to NRCS for funding through one or
more of the following programs: EQIP and WHIP. The CCPI-CBW uses the
funds, policies, and processes of these programs to deliver assistance
to eligible producers to implement approved conservation practices,
enhancements, and activities.
Producers interested in applying must meet the eligibility
requirements of the program for which they are applying. Individual
applications from eligible producers will be evaluated and ranked to
ensure that the producer applications selected for funding are most
likely to achieve project objectives. Once applications are selected,
the producers may enter into a contract or cost-share agreement with
NRCS. Participants may enter into multiple program contracts through
CCPI-CBW if more than one program is needed to accomplish the project
objectives.
During FY 2011, an objective of CCPI-CBW is to deliver EQIP and
WHIP assistance to producers to achieve high-priority conservation
objectives in geographic areas defined by the partner. Depending upon
the program available in the project area, the assistance provided
enables eligible producers to implement conservation practices and
enhancements, including the development and adoption of innovative
conservation practices and management approaches.
Availability of Funding
Effective on the publication date of this notice, the CCC announces
the availability of up to $3.5 million in EQIP and WHIP financial
assistance for CCPI-CBW during FY 2011.
Proposal Information
Proposal Format
It is highly recommended that the proposal be submitted via e-mail.
Consult the NRCS national CCPI Web site for an example of an acceptable
proposal document at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CCPI/. Do not
submit other documents or letters of endorsement. The entire proposal
may not exceed 12 pages in length including summary, maps, reference
materials, and related reports.
Required Information
The proposal must include the following:
1. Proposal Cover Sheet and Summary (not to exceed two pages):
a. Project Title.
b. Project director/manager name, telephone number, and mailing and
e-mail addresses.
c. Name and contact information for lead partner entity submitting
the proposal.
d. Name and contact information for other collaborating partners.
e. Short summary of project including:
i. Project start and end dates (not to exceed a period of 5 years);
ii. Site map;
iii. Project objectives and resource concerns to be addressed; and
iv. Amount of CCPI-CBW financial assistance being requested by
program.
2. Partner Background and Experience:
a. A description of the partner or partners' history of working
with agricultural producers to address conservation priorities.
b. A description of how the partner(s) will collaborate to achieve
the objectives of the agreement. Include:
i. The roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of the partner(s);
and
ii. The financial or technical commitments of each of the partners
and how they will be leveraged by the Federal contribution through EQIP
or WHIP. If partners are not the submitter of the proposal and intend
to commit resources, a letter or other documentation from these
partners confirming a commitment of resources is required. Partners
need to clearly state, by project objective, how they intend to
leverage Federal funds along with resources. The funding and time
contribution by agricultural producers to implement agreed-to
conservation practices in program contracts may not be considered any
part of a match from the potential partner for purposes of CCPI-CBW.
3. Project Objectives and Natural Resource Concerns:
a. Identify and provide details about the project objectives.
Objectives should be specific, measureable, achievable, and results-
oriented.
b. Identify and provide details about the natural resource
concern(s) to be addressed in this project. Include in this description
how the proposal objectives will address the listed resource concerns.
Note: A complete list of NRCS approved natural resource concerns
may be found on the CCPI Web site at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
programs/ccpi/.
4. Project Description:
a. A detailed description of the geographic area covered by the
proposal including:
i. Types of lands to be treated;
ii. The location and size of the proposed project area; and
iii. Twelve digit Hydrologic Unit Coordinates (12 digit HUCs).
(Note: Contact the appropriate State Conservationist(s) serving the
State(s) where the proposed project is located to obtain information on
12 digit HUCs. The State Conservationists contact information is at the
end of this request for proposals).
b. A detailed map showing the project area. Include on the map:
i. Outlined areas which need conservation treatments;
ii. What conservation treatments are needed in what areas; and
iii. The order of priority for the different areas to be treated.
c. A description of the project timeline. Include:
i. Duration of the project, not to exceed 5 years in length;
ii. Project implementation schedule that details when different
objectives and conservation practices will be completed;
iii. When partner and Federal resources will be used within the
timeframe of the project. Include the total amount of financial
assistance funds requested for each fiscal year of the project to be
made available for producer contracts and cost-share
[[Page 78669]]
agreements (for multi-State projects, provide the funds or acres by
State as appropriate). The proposal must request NRCS program funds for
obligation in producer contracts during FY 2011 (October 1, 2010 to
September 30, 2011). Proposals which request funding starting after FY
2011 (September 30, 2011), will not be evaluated or considered during
this funding cycle; and
iv. When the final project report will be submitted.
d. A description of the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and
reporting on progress made toward achieving the objectives of the
agreement.
e. Identify potential criteria to be used by NRCS to prioritize and
rank agricultural producers' applications for EQIP and WHIP in the
project area. Potential partners should collaborate with NRCS to
develop meaningful criteria that NRCS can use to evaluate and rank
producer' program applications. This will ensure that applications
which will best accomplish the project's objectives will be selected.
f. An estimate of the percentage of producers, including
nonindustrial private forest landowners, in the project area that may
participate in the project along with an estimate of the total number
of producers located in the project area. Provide details such as how
the partner will encourage producer participation; whether the project
includes any tribal producers, beginning farmers or ranchers, socially
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, or limited resource farmers or
ranchers; and whether there are groups of producers who may submit
joint applications to address resource issues of common interest and
need.
g. A listing and description of the conservation practices,
conservation activity plans, enhancements, and partner activities to be
implemented during the project timeframe and the general sequence of
implementation of the project. Also address technical assistance
efforts that will be made by the partner. Describe any activities that
are innovative or include outcome-based performance measures
implemented by the partner. Information about approved NRCS practice
standards is found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html. For each conservation practice, estimate the amount of
practice extent (feet, acres, number, etc.) the partner expects
producers to implement and the amount of financial assistance requested
to support implementation of each practice through producer contracts.
h. Indicate whether the project will address regulatory compliance
and any other outcomes that partner expects to complete during the
project period.
i. A detailed description of any requested policy adjustments, by
program, with an explanation of why the adjustment is needed in order
to achieve the objectives of the project.
j. A description of how the partner will provide for outreach to
beginning farmers or ranchers, limited resource farmers or ranchers,
socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes.
k. A description of how the proposal's objectives may provide
additional benefits to address renewable energy production, energy
conservation, mitigating the effects of climate change, facilitating
climate change adaptation, or fostering carbon sequestration, if
applicable.
Ranking Considerations
The agency will evaluate proposals using a national competitive
process. A higher priority may be given to proposals that:
1. Have a high percentage of producers actively farming or managing
working agricultural or nonindustrial private forest lands included in
the proposed project area;
2. Are in the river basins of the Patuxent, Potomac (North and
South), Shenandoah, and Susquehanna;
3. Control erosion and reduce sediment and nutrient levels in
ground and surface waters in designated 12 digit HUC priority
watersheds (Note: Contact the appropriate State Conservationist(s)
serving the State(s) where the proposed project is located to obtain
information on 12 digit HUCs. The State Conservationist contact
information is at the end of this request for proposals);
4. Significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical
resources;
5. Coordinate with other local, State, or Federal efforts;
6. Deliver high percentages of applied conservation practices to
address water quality; water conservation; or State, regional, or
national conservation initiatives;
7. Provide innovation in approved conservation practices,
conservation methods, and delivery including outcome-based performance
measures and methods;
8. Complete the application of the conservation practices and
activities on all of the covered program contracts or cost-share
agreements in 5 years or less;
9. Assist the participants in meeting local, State, and Federal
regulatory requirements;
10. Provide for monitoring and evaluation of conservation
practices, enhancements, and activities;
11. Provide for matching financial funds or technical assistance to
assist participants with the implementation of their EQIP contracts and
WHIP cost-share agreements;
12. Provide for outreach to, and participation of, beginning
farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers,
limited resource farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes within the
proposed project area; and
13. Identify other factors and criteria which best achieve the
purposes of CCPI-CBW.
General CCPI-CBW Proposal Information
State Conservationist Letter of Review
Once a project proposal is received, the agency will provide a copy
to the appropriate State Conservationist(s) for evaluation and ranking.
The State Conservationist(s) will submit a letter of review to the NRCS
National Headquarters to address:
1. Potential duplication of efforts with other projects or existing
programs;
2. Adherence to, and consistency with, program regulations
including requirements related to land and producer eligibility and use
of approved NRCS resource concerns and conservation practices,
enhancements, and other program requirements;
3. Expected benefits for project implementation in their State(s);
4. Other issues or concerns the State Conservationist is aware of
that should be considered by the agency; and
5. A general recommendation for support or denial of project
approval.
Proposal Submission, Review, and Notification
When submitting a proposal either by email or courier service, mark
on the email or courier service envelope that the proposal is for CCPI-
CBW. Your proposal must address, in sufficient detail, all the criteria
outlined in the ``Proposal Information'' section of this notice. This
will enable agency reviewers to understand your proposal's priority
resource concerns, objectives, and expected outcomes.
State Conservationists are expected to provide, once requested,
guidance to potential partners regarding resource concerns that may be
addressed in the proposed project area, local working group and State
Technical Committee natural resource priorities, approved conservation
practices and activities, and other program requirements the partner
should consider when
[[Page 78670]]
developing a proposal. NRCS may not assist in writing or submission of
any proposal.
CCPI-CBW proposals submitted to NRCS become the property of the
agency for use in the administration of the program, may be filed or
disposed of by the agency, and will not be returned to the potential
partner. Once proposals have been submitted for review and ranking,
there will be no further opportunity to change or re-submit the
proposal. Incomplete proposals or those that do not meet the
requirements set forth in this notice will not be considered, and
notification of elimination will be mailed to the applicant. Partner
proposals may be withdrawn by written notice to the Director, Watershed
and Landscape Programs Division at any time prior to selection (see
``Addresses'' section in this notice).
NRCS will review and evaluate the proposals based on the criteria
set forth in the respective ``Proposal Information'' section of this
notice for CCPI-CBW. Positive consideration will be given to proposals
that thoroughly address the issues outlined in the respective ``Ranking
Considerations'' section.
Partners whose proposal is selected will receive a letter of
official notification. Upon notification of selection, the partner
should contact the appropriate State Conservationist to develop the
required partnership agreement and other project implementation
requirements. Potential partners should note that, depending upon
available funding and agency priorities, NRCS may offer a reduced
amount of program financial assistance from what was requested in the
proposal. Partner submissions of proposals that were not selected will
also be notified.
Waiver Authority
To assist in the implementation of CCPI-CBW projects, the NRCS
Chief may waive the applicability of the Adjusted Gross Income
Limitation in producer program contracts, on a case-by-case basis, in
accordance with 7 CFR Sec. 1400.500(d)(2). Such waiver requests must
be submitted in writing from the program applicant, addressed to the
Chief, and submitted through the local designated conservationist.
Signed this 9th day of December, 2010, in Washington, DC.
Dave White,
Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation and Chief, Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
Addresses and phone number of NRCS State Conservationists in States
having land in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed:
Delaware: Russell Morgan
Suite 100, 1221 College Park Drive
Dover, DE 19904-8713
Phone: (302) 678-4160
Fax: (302) 678-0843
[email protected]
Maryland: Jon Hall
John Hanson Business Center, Suite 301
339 Busch's Frontage Road
Annapolis, MD 21409-5543
Phone: (410) 757-0861 Ext. 315
Fax: (410) 757-6504
[email protected]
New York: Astor Boozer
Suite 354, 441 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13202-2450
Phone: (315) 477-6504
Fax: (315) 477-6560
[email protected]
Pennsylvania: Denise Coleman
Suite 340, One Credit Union Place
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2993
Phone: (717) 237-2203
Fax: (717) 237-2238
[email protected]
Virginia: Jack Bricker
Culpeper Building, Suite 209
1606 Santa Rosa Road
Richmond, VA 23229-5014
Phone: (804) 287-1691
Fax: (804) 287-1737
[email protected]
West Virginia: Kevin Wickey
Room 301, 75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 284-7540
Fax: (304) 284-4839
[email protected]
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[FR Doc. 2010-31648 Filed 12-15-10; 8:45 am]
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