[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 39 (Monday, March 1, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9149-9155]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-4111]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 39 / Monday, March 1, 2010 /
Notices
[[Page 9149]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program
Funding Opportunity Title: Community Outreach and Assistance
Partnership Program.
Announcement Type: Request for Applications (RFA) Community
Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program: Initial Announcement.
CFDA Number: 10.455.
DATES: Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on April 15, 2010.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for
funding. All awards will be made and partnership agreements completed
by September 30, 2010.
Overview: In accordance with section 1522(d) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (Act), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC),
operating through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces the
availability of approximately $2.5 million in fiscal year 2010 (subject
to availability of funds) for collaborative outreach and assistance
programs for limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other
traditionally under-served farmers and ranchers, who produce Priority
Commodities as defined in Part I.C. Awards under this program will be
made on a competitive basis for projects of up to one year. Recipients
of awards must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a partnership
agreement and must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the
project. This announcement lists the information needed to submit an
application under this program.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacquea Howard-Brock, Outreach
Specialist, Telephone (202) 690-4789, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, E-mail:
[email protected], Michelle Wert, Management and
Program Analyst, Telephone (202) 690-1687, E-mail:
[email protected], Ron Brown, Outreach Specialist, Telephone
(919) 875-4896, E-mail: [email protected] or Rudy Perez, Outreach
Specialist, Telephone (530) 792-5875, Cell (202) 230-1606, E-mail:
[email protected]. Application materials can be downloaded from
the RMA Web site at http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements/; or
from the Government grants Web site at http://www.grants.gov. Click on
``Find Grant Opportunities,'' then select ``Basic Search,'' type in
``RMA'' in the Keyword Search field and select ``Search,'' select
``Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program'' under the
Opportunity Title column to access the application package for this
announcement.
The collection of this information has been approved under OMB
control number 0563-0066 through November 30, 2010.
This announcement consists of seven parts.
Part I--General Information
A. Legislative Authority and Background
B. Purpose
C. Definition of Priority Commodities
D. Program Description
Part II--Award Information
A. Available Funding
B. Types of Applications
Part III--Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Project Period
C. Non-Financial Benefits
D. Cost Sharing or Matching
E. Funding Restrictions
Part IV--Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Submit an Application Package
B. Content and Form of Application
C. Acknowledgement of Applications
Part V--Application Review Process
A. General
B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights
Part VI--Award Administration
A. Notification of Award
B. Access to Panel Review Information
C. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
D. Reporting Requirements
E. Administration
F. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regard to Lobbying
G. Applicable OMB Circulars
H. Confidentiality
I. Civil Rights Training
Part VII--Additional Information
A. Requirement To Use Program Logo
B. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA
Representative
C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflict
of Interest
D. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B Data Universal Numbering System)
E. Required Registration for Grants.gov
Part I--General Information
A. Legislative Authority and Background
This program is authorized under section 1522(d)(3)(F) of the Act
which authorizes FCIC funding for risk management training and
informational efforts for agricultural producers through the formation
of partnerships with public and private organizations. RMA promotes and
regulates sound risk management solutions to improve the economic
stability of American agriculture. One of RMA's four strategic goals is
to ensure that its customers and potential customers are well informed
of the risk management solutions available. On behalf of FCIC, RMA does
this by offering Federal crop insurance products through a network of
private-sector partners, overseeing the creation of new risk management
products, seeking enhancements in existing products, ensuring the
integrity of crop insurance programs, providing risk management
education and information and offering outreach programs aimed at equal
access and participation of underserved communities.
B. Purpose
The purpose of this program is to fund projects that provide
limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and other traditionally
underserved producers with training, informational opportunities and
assistance necessary to understand:
(1) The kind of risks addressed by existing and emerging risk
management tools;
(2) The features and appropriate use of existing and emerging risk
management tools; and
(3) How to make sound risk management decisions.
In addition to projects utilizing risk management tools, for 2010,
RMA will fund projects in the following Special Emphasis Topic areas:
Farm-to-School, Farm Safety, Food Safety, and addressing Food Deserts
(urban and rural) with small farmer/rancher products.
Each partnership agreement awarded through this program will
provide the applicant with funds, guidance, and the
[[Page 9150]]
substantial involvement of RMA to deliver outreach and assistance
programs to producers in a specific geographical area.
C. Definition of Priority Commodities
For purposes of this program, Priority Commodities are defined as:
Agricultural commodities covered by (7 U.S.C. 7333).
Commodities in this group are commercial crops that are not covered by
catastrophic risk protection crop insurance, are used for food or fiber
(except livestock), and specifically include, but are not limited to,
floricultural, ornamental nursery, Christmas trees, turf grass sod,
aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops.
Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may or may not
be covered under a Federal crop insurance plan and include, but are not
limited to, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, roots, herbs,
and highly specialized varieties of traditional crops.
Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a)
commodities, including livestock, that are covered by a Federal crop
insurance plan but for which participation in an area is below the
national average; and (b) commodities, including livestock, with
inadequate crop insurance coverage produced by limited resource,
socially disadvantaged, and other traditionally underserved producers.
A project is considered as giving priority to Priority Commodities
if the majority of the educational outreach and assistance activities
are directed to limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other
traditionally under-served producers of one or more of the three
classes of commodities listed above or any combination of the three
classes.
D. Program Description
This program will support a wide range of innovative outreach and
assistance activities in farm management, financial management,
marketing contracts, crop insurance, special emphasis topic areas and
other existing and emerging risk management tools. RMA will be
substantially involved in the activities listed under paragraph 2. The
applicant must identify specific ways in which RMA could have
substantial involvement in the proposed outreach activity.
In addition to the specific, required activities listed under
paragraph 1, the applicant may suggest other activities that would
contribute directly to the purpose of this program. For any additional
activity suggested, the applicant should identify the objective of the
activity, the specific tasks required to meet the objective, specific
time lines for performing the tasks, and specific responsibilities of
the partners.
1. In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this
program, award recipients will be required to perform the following
activities:
Develop and finalize a risk management outreach delivery
plan that will contain the tasks needed to accomplish the purpose of
this program, including a description of the manner in which various
tasks for the project will be completed, the dates by which each task
will be completed, and the partners that will have responsibility for
each task. Task milestones must be listed to ensure that progress can
be measured at various stages throughout the life of the project. The
plan must also provide for the substantial involvement of RMA in the
project.
Note: All partnership agreements resulting from this
announcement will include delivery plans in a table format. All
applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the table in the
application package, when preparing a delivery plan and to use this
format as part of the project description.
Assemble risk management instructional materials
appropriate for producers of Priority Commodities to be used in
delivering education and information. This will include: (a) Gathering
existing instructional materials that meet the local needs of producers
of Priority Commodities; (b) identifying gaps in existing instructional
materials; and (c) developing new materials or modifying existing
instructional materials to fill existing gaps.
Develop and conduct a promotional program and
dissemination activities to publicize the project accomplishments. This
program will include activities using the media, newsletters,
publications, or other informational dissemination techniques that are
designed to: (a) Raise awareness for risk management; (b) inform
producers of the availability of risk management tools; (c) inform
producers of the training and informational opportunities being
offered; and (d) communicate the project's accomplishments (products,
results and impacts, etc.) to the broadest audiences. Minority media
and publications should also be used to achieve the broadest promotion
of outreach opportunities for limited resource and socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers possible.
Deliver risk management training and informational
opportunities to limited resource and socially disadvantaged
agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals of Priority
Commodities. This will include organizing and delivering educational
activities using the instructional materials identified earlier.
Activities should be directed primarily to agricultural producers, but
may include those agribusiness professionals that have frequent
opportunities to advise farmers on risk management.
Utilize the Results Verification System to document all
outreach activities conducted under the partnership agreement and the
results of such activities, including criteria and indicators used to
evaluate the success of the program. The recipient will also be
required to provide information to an RMA-selected contractor to
evaluate all outreach activities and advise RMA as to the effectiveness
of activities.
2. RMA will be responsible for the following activities:
Review and approve in advance the recipient's project
delivery plan.
Collaborate with the recipient in assembling risk
management materials for producers. This will include: (a) Reviewing
and approving in advance all educational materials for technical
accuracy; (b) serving on curriculum development workgroups; (c)
providing curriculum developers with fact sheets and other risk
management publications prepared by RMA; (d) advising the applicant on
the materials available over the internet through the AgRisk Education
Library; (e) advising the applicant on technical issues related to crop
insurance instructional materials; and (f) advising the applicant on
the use of the standardized design and layout formats to be used on
program materials.
Collaborate with the recipient on a promotional program
for raising awareness of risk management and for informing producers of
training and informational opportunities. This will include: (a)
Reviewing and approving in advance all promotional plans, materials,
and programs; (b) serving on workgroups that plan promotional programs;
(c) advising the applicant on technical issues relating to the
presentation of crop insurance products in promotional materials; and
(d) participating, as appropriate, in media programs designed to raise
general awareness or provide farmers with risk management education.
Collaborate with the recipient on outreach activities to
agricultural producers and agribusiness leaders. This will include: (a)
Reviewing and approving in advance all producer and agribusiness
educational delivery plans; (b) advising the applicant on technical
issues related to the delivery of crop insurance education and
information; and (c) assisting the applicant in
[[Page 9151]]
informing crop insurance professionals about educational plans and
scheduled meetings.
Reviewing and approving recipient's documentation of risk
management education and outreach activities.
Part II--Award Information
A. Available Funding
The amount of funds available in FY 2010 for support of this
program is approximately $2.5 million dollars (subject to availability
of funds). There is no commitment by USDA/RMA to fund any particular
project or to make a specific number of awards. No maximum or minimum
funding levels have been established for individual projects or
geographic locations. Applicants awarded a partnership agreement for an
amount that is less than the amount requested may be required to modify
their application to conform to the reduced amount before execution of
the partnership agreement. It is expected that awards will be made
approximately 120 days after the application deadline.
B. Types of Applications
Applicants must specify whether the application is a new, renewal,
or resubmitted application.
1. New Application--This is an application that has not been
previously submitted to the RMA Outreach Program. All new applications
will be reviewed competitively using the selection process and
evaluation criteria described in this RFA.
2. Renewal Application--This is an application that requests
additional funding for a project beyond the period that was approved in
an original or amended award. Applications for renewed funding must
contain the same information as required for new applications, and
additionally must contain a Progress Report. Renewal applications must
be received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in competition
with other pending applications, and will be reviewed according to the
same evaluation criteria as new applications.
3. Resubmitted Application--This is an application previously
submitted to the RMA Outreach office, but was not funded. Resubmitted
applications must be received by the relevant due dates, and will be
evaluated in competition with other pending applications and will be
reviewed according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.
Part III--Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Educational institutions, community based organizations,
associations of farmers and ranchers, state departments of agriculture,
and other non-profit organizations with demonstrated capabilities in
developing and implementing risk management and other marketing options
for priority commodities are eligible to apply. Individuals are not
eligible applicants. Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships
with other entities that complement, enhance, and/or increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed project. Although an
applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based on its status
as an eligible entity, other factors may exclude an applicant from
receiving Federal assistance under this program (e.g. debarment and
suspension; a determination of non-performance on a prior contract,
cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination of a
violation of applicable ethical standards). Applications from
ineligible or excluded persons will be rejected in their entirety.
B. Project Period
Each project will be funded for a period of up to one year from the
project starting date for the activities described in this
announcement.
C. Non-Financial Benefits
To be eligible, applicants must also demonstrate that they will
receive a non-financial benefit as a result of a partnership agreement.
Non-financial benefits must accrue to the applicant and must include
more than the ability to provide employment income to the applicant or
for the applicant's employees or the community. The applicant must
demonstrate that performance under the partnership agreement will
further the specific mission of the applicant (such as providing
research or activities necessary for graduate or other students to
complete their educational program). Applications that do not
demonstrate a non-financial benefit will be rejected.
D. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing, matching, in-kind contribution, or cost participation
is not required.
E. Funding Restrictions
Indirect costs for projects submitted in response to this
solicitation are limited to 10 percent of the total direct costs of the
agreement. Partnership agreement funds may not be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility including a processing facility;
2. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
3. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
4. Pay for the preparation of the partnership application;
5. Fund political activities;
6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this partnership
agreement;
7. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019, as
applicable.
Part IV--Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Submit an Application Package
The address for submissions is USDA/RMA, Community Outreach, and
Assistance Partnership Program, c/o William Buchanan, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Room 6702, Stop 0809, Washington, DC 20250-0809. All
applications must be submitted by the deadline. Late or incomplete
applications will not be considered and will be returned to the
applicant. Applications will be considered as meeting the announced
deadline if they are received in the mailroom at the address on or
before the deadline. Applicants are cautioned that express, overnight
mail or other delivery services do not always deliver as agreed.
Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service should allow for the extra
time for delivery due to the additional security measures that mail
delivered to government offices in the Washington DC area now requires.
Failure of the selected delivery services will not extend the deadline.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed and signed
application packages using overnight mail or delivery service to ensure
timely receipt.
Applicants that wish to submit applications electronically, should
use the Government Grants Web site at http://www.grants.gov.
Note: First time grants.gov applicants--you may need 2 weeks to
establish required accounts before you will be able to submit an
application through grants.gov. If assistance is needed in
submitting an application (e.g., downloading or navigating Adobe
forms), refer to resources available on the Grants.gov Web site
first (http://grants.gov/). Grants.gov assistance is also available
as follows:
Grants.gov customer support Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726
E-mail: [email protected]
B. Content and Form of Application
1. General--Use the following guidelines to prepare an application.
Each application must contain the
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following elements in the order indicated. Proper preparation of
applications will assist reviewers in evaluating the merits of each
application in a systematic, consistent fashion.
(a) Prepare the application on only one side of the page using
standard size (8\1/2\ x 11) white paper, one-inch
margins, typed or word processed using no type smaller than 12 point
font, and single or double spaced. Use an easily readable font face
(e.g., Geneva, Helvetica, Times Roman).
(b) Number each page of the application sequentially, starting with
the Project Description, including the budget pages, required forms,
and any appendices.
(c) Staple the application in the upper left-hand corner. Do not
bind. An original and two copies of the completed and signed
application (3 total) and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format
preferred) on compact disc or diskette must be submitted in one
package. Only hard copies of OMB Standard Forms should be submitted. Do
not include the standard forms on the diskette.
(d) Include original illustrations (photographs, color prints,
etc.) in all copies of the application to prevent loss of meaning
through poor quality reproduction.
1. Application for Federal Assistance, OMB Standard Form 424--
Please complete this form in its entirety (including your zip + 4 which
is your zip code plus the additional 4 digit code). The original copy
of the application must contain a pen-and-ink signature of the
authorized organizational representative (AOR), individual with the
authority to commit the organization's time and other relevant
resources to the project. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Number (block 10) is ``10.455--Community Outreach and Assistance.''
2. Table of Contents--Each application must contain a detailed
Table of Contents immediately following OMB SF 424.
3. Project Summary--(Limited to one page, placed after the Table of
Contents) The summary should be a self-contained, specific description
of the activity to be undertaken and should focus on: Overall project
goal(s) and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish project goals;
and relevance of the project to the goals of the community outreach and
assistance program.
4. Progress Report--(Limited to three pages, placed immediately
after the Project Summary) Renewal applications of an existing project
supported under the same program should include a clearly identified
summary progress report describing the results to date. The progress
report should contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the
goals established for the project.
5. A Project Description--(Limited to twenty-five single-sided
pages) that describes the outreach project in detail, including the
program delivery plan and a Statement of Work. The description should
provide reviewers with sufficient information to effectively evaluate
the merits of the application under the criteria contained in Part V.
The description should include the circumstances giving rise to the
proposed activity; a clear, concise statement of the objectives; the
steps necessary to implement the program to attain the objectives; an
evaluation plan for the activities; a program delivery plan, and
statement of work that describes how the activities will be implemented
and managed by the applicant.
The statement of work in table format should identify each
objective and the key tasks to achieve the objective, the entity
responsible for the task, the completion date, the task location, and
RMA's role. Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the sample
table in the application package, when preparing a delivery plan and to
use this table format in that portion of the application narrative that
addresses the delivery plan.
6. Budget, OMB Standard Form 424- A, ``Budget Information, Non-
Construction Program''--Indirect costs allowed for projects submitted
under this announcement will be limited to 10 percent of the total
direct cost of the partnership or cooperative agreement. Applicants
should include reasonable travel costs associated with attending at
least two RMA designated two-day events, which will include a Project
Directors' meeting and civil rights training.
7. Budget Narrative--A detailed narrative in support of the budget
should show all funding sources and itemized costs for each line item
contained on the SF-424A. All budget categories must be individually
listed (with costs) in the same order as the budget and justified on a
separate sheet of paper and placed immediately behind the SF-424A.
There must be a detailed breakdown of all costs, including indirect
costs. Include budget notes on each budget line item detailing how each
line item was derived. Also provide a brief narrative description of
any costs that may require explanation (i.e., why a specific cost may
be higher than market costs). Only items or services that are necessary
for the successful completion of the project will be funded as
permitted under the Act, the applicable Federal Cost principles, and
are not prohibited under any other Federal statute. Salaries of project
personnel should be requested in proportion to the effort that they
would devote to the project.
8. Key Personnel--The roles and responsibilities of each Project
Director (PD) and/or collaborator should be clearly described; and the
qualifying experience and education (One Page Each) of the PD and each
co-PD, senior associate and other professional personnel.
9. Collaborative Arrangements (including Letters of Support)--If it
will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or collaborative
arrangements, such arrangements should be fully explained and
justified. If the consultants or collaborators are known at the time of
application, a vitae or resume should be provided. Evidence (e.g.,
letter of support) should be included if the collaborators involved
have agreed to render these services. Additional information on
consultants and collaborators are required in the budget portion of the
application.
10. Current and Pending Support-- All applications must list all
current public or private support to which personnel identified in the
application have committed portions of their time, whether or not
salary support for persons involved is included in the budget. An
application that duplicates or overlaps substantially with an
application already reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by another
organization or agency will not be funded under this program. The
projects proposed for funding should be included in the pending
section.
11. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, OMB Standard Form LLL--All
applications must contain a signed copy of this form (See Part VI (F)).
Applicants who are not engaging in lobbying activities should write
``Not Applicable'' and sign the form.
12. A completed and Signed ``Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters (Primary Covered
Transactions), AD 1047.''
13. A completed and Signed ``Certifications Regarding Drug-Free
Workplace, AD-1049.''
14. Appendices are allowed if they are directly germane to the
proposed project.
[[Page 9153]]
C. Acknowledgment of Applications
Applications submitted by facsimile or through other electronic
media (except grants.gov), regardless of the date or time of submission
or the time of receipt, will not be considered and will be returned to
the applicant. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail,
whenever possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide an
e-mail address in the application. If an e-mail address is not
indicated on an application, receipt will be acknowledged in writing.
There will be no notification of incomplete, unqualified, or unfunded
applications until the awards have been made. RMA will assign an
identification number to the application when received. This number
will be provided to applicants when the receipt of application is
acknowledged. Applicants should reference the assigned identification
number in all correspondence regarding the application.
If receipt of application is not acknowledged by RMA within 21 days
of the submission deadline, the applicant should contact Jacquea
Howard-Brock at (202) 690-4789 or electronically at [email protected].
Part V--Application Review Process
A. General
Each application will be evaluated using a two-part process. First,
each application will be screened by RMA personnel to ensure that past
performances were satisfactorily met and that it meets the requirements
in this announcement. Applications that do not meet the requirements of
this announcement or are incomplete will not receive further
consideration.
Second, a review panel will consider the merits of all applications
that meet the requirements in the announcement. A panel of not less
than three independent reviewers will evaluate each application.
Reviewers will be drawn from USDA, other Federal agencies, and others
representing public and private organizations, as needed. The project
description (Only the first 25 pages of the project description will be
evaluated) and any appendices submitted by applicant will be used by
the review panel to evaluate the merits of the project being proposed
for funding. The panel will examine and score applications based on
each of the four criteria contained in paragraph B of this part
``Evaluation Criteria and Weights''.
The panel will be looking for the specific elements listed with
each criterion when evaluating the applications and scoring them. For
each application, panel members will assign a point value up to the
maximum for each criterion. After all reviewers have evaluated and
scored each of the applications, the scores for the entire panel will
be averaged to determine an application's final score.
After assigning points for each criterion, applications will be
listed in initial rank order and presented, along with funding level
recommendations, to the Manager of FCIC, who will make the final
decision on awarding of a partnership agreement. Applications will then
be funded in final rank order until all available funds have been
expended. Applicants must score 50 points or more to be considered for
funding. If there are unused remaining funds, RMA may conduct another
round of competition through the announcement of another RFA.
An organization, or group of organizations in partnership, may
apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to the
programs described in this announcement. However, if the Manager of
FCIC determines that an application recommended for funding under this
announcement is sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded
or has been recommended to be funded under another FCIC or RMA
education or outreach program, then the Manager may elect to not fund
that application in whole or in part.
B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights
1. Project Benefits--Maximum 40 Points
The applicant must demonstrate that the project benefits to limited
resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally underserved
producers warrant the funding requested. Applicants will be scored
according to the extent they can: (a) Reasonably estimate the number of
producers reached through the project; (b) justify the estimates with
clear specifics related to the delivery plan; (c) identify the actions
producers will likely be able to take as a result of the project; and
(d) identify specific measures for evaluating the success of the
project. Reviewers' scoring will be based on the scope and
reasonableness of the applicants' estimate of the number of producers
reached through the project, clear descriptions of specific expected
project benefits for producers, and well-constructed plans for
measuring the project's effectiveness.
2. Project Management--Maximum 20 Points
The applicant must demonstrate an ability to implement sound and
effective project management practices. Higher scores will be awarded
to applicants that can demonstrate organizational skills, leadership,
and experience in delivering services or programs using the appropriate
language service that assist limited resource, socially disadvantaged
and other traditionally underserved producers. If the applicant has
been a recipient of other Federal or other government grants,
cooperative agreements, or contracts, the applicant must also detail
that they have consistently complied with financial and program
reporting and auditing requirements. Applicants that will employ, or
have access to personnel who have experience in directing agricultural
programs or providing education programs that benefit producers will
receive higher rankings. Higher scores will be awarded to applicants
with no more than two on-going projects funded by RMA under this
program in previous years.
3. Collaborative Partnering--Maximum 20 Points
The applicant must demonstrate experience and capacity to partner
with and gain the support of other agencies, grower organizations,
agribusiness professionals, and agricultural leaders to enhance the
quality and effectiveness of the program. Applicants will receive
higher scores to the extent that they can document and demonstrate: (a)
That partnership documented commitments are in place for the express
purpose of delivering the program in this announcement; (b) that the
project will incorporate training on the benefits and implementation of
utilizing risk management tools; (c) that the project promotes producer
eligibility for numerous USDA programs; (d) that a broad and diverse
group of farmers and ranchers will be reached; and (e) that a
substantial effort has been made to partner with organizations that can
meet the needs of producers that are small, have limited resources, are
minorities, or are beginning farmers and ranchers.
4. Delivery Plan--Maximum 20 Points
The applicant must demonstrate that its program delivery plan is
clear and specific. For each of the applicant's responsibilities
contained in the description of the program, the applicant must
demonstrate that it can identify specific tasks and provide reasonable
time lines that further the purpose of this program. Applicants
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will obtain a higher score to the extent that the tasks of the project
are specific, measurable, and reasonable, have specific periods for
completion, relate directly to the required activities, the program
objectives described in this announcement, and use the appropriate
language service.
5. Diversity
Management reserves the right to award additional points to
applications that promote diversity.
Part VI--Award Administration
A. Notification of Award
Following approval by the RMA awarding official, project leaders
whose applications have been selected for funding will be notified.
Within the limit of funds available for such a purpose, the awarding
official of RMA shall enter into partnership agreements with applicants
whose applications are judged to be most meritorious under the
procedures set forth in this announcement. The agreements provide the
amount of Federal funds for use in the project period, the terms and
conditions of the award and the time period for the project.
The effective date of the agreement is the date the agreement is
executed by both parties. RMA will extend to award recipients, in
writing, the authority to draw down funds for conducting the activities
listed in the agreement. All funds provided to the applicant by FCIC
must be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are
obligated in accordance with the approved agreement and budget, the
regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, and the
applicability of Federal cost principles. No commitment of Federal
assistance beyond the project period is made or implied for any award
resulting from this notice.
Applicants that are not funded will be notified within 120 days
after the submission deadline.
B. Access to Panel Review Information
Upon written request from the applicant, your score from the
evaluation panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent
to the applicant after the review and awards process has been
completed.
C. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
When an application results in a partnership agreement, it becomes
a part of the official record of RMA transactions, available to the
public upon specific request. Information that the Secretary of
Agriculture determines to be of a confidential, privileged, or
proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted
by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant wishes to be
considered confidential, privileged, or proprietary should be clearly
marked within an application, including the basis for such designation.
The original copy of a proposal that does not result in an award will
be retained by RMA for a period of one year. Other copies will be
destroyed. Copies of proposals not receiving awards will be released
only with the express written consent of the applicant or to the extent
required by law. A proposal may be withdrawn at any time prior to
award.
D. Reporting Requirements
Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to
submit electronic quarterly progress reports through a results
verification system and financial reports (OMB Standard Form 425,
formerly OMB Standard Form 269A) throughout the project period, as well
as a final program and financial report no later than 90 days after the
end of the project period.
E. Administration
All partnership agreements are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR
part 3015.
F. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regard to Lobbying
All partnership agreements are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR
part 3018. A copy of the certification and disclosure forms must be
submitted with the application.
G. Applicable OMB Circulars
All partnership and cooperative agreements funded as a result of
this notice will be subject to the requirements contained in all
applicable OMB circulars.
H. Confidentiality
The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in the
applications, the content of applications, and the panel evaluations of
applications will be kept confidential, except to those involved in the
review process, to the extent permitted by law. In addition, the
identities of review panel members will remain confidential throughout
the entire review process and will not be released to applicants. At
the end of the fiscal year, names of panel members will be made
available. However, panelists will not be identified with the review of
any particular application.
I. Civil Rights Training
All recipients of federally assisted programs are required to
comply with Federal civil rights laws and regulations. USDA/RMA
policies and procedures require recipients of federally assisted
programs to attend mandatory civil rights training sponsored by RMA, to
become fully aware of civil rights requirements and responsibilities.
Applicants should include in their budgets reasonable travel costs
associated with attending at least two, two-day RMA designated events
that include a Project Directors meeting and required civil rights
training.
Part VII--Additional Information
A. Requirement To Use Program Logo
Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to use a
program logo and design provided by RMA for all instructional and
promotional materials.
B. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA Representative
Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to
assist RMA in evaluating the effectiveness of its outreach program by
providing documentation of outreach activities and related information
to any contractor selected by RMA for program evaluation purposes. This
requirement also includes providing demographic data on program
participants.
C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflict of
Interest
Private organizations that are involved in the sale of Federal crop
insurance, or that have financial ties to such organizations, are
eligible to apply for funding under this announcement. However, such
entities will not be allowed to receive funding to conduct activities
that would otherwise be required under a Standard Reinsurance Agreement
or any other agreement in effect between FCIC and the entity. Such
entities will also not be allowed to receive funding to conduct
activities that could be perceived by producers as promoting one
company's services or products over another's. If applying for funding,
such organizations are encouraged to be sensitive to potential
conflicts of interest and to describe in their application the specific
actions they will take to avoid actual and perceived conflicts of
interest.
D. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B Data Universal Numbering System)
A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
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number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal
standard for identifying and keeping track of businesses worldwide. A
Federal Register notice of final policy issuance (68 FR 38402) requires
a DUNS number in every application (i.e., hard copy and electronic) for
a grant or cooperative agreement. Therefore, potential applicants
should verify that they have a DUNS number or take steps needed to
obtain one. For information about how to obtain a DUNS number, go to
http://www.grants.gov. Please note that the registration may take up to
14 business days to complete.
E. Required Registration for Grants.gov
The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as
the primary Government repository for contractor information required
for the conduct of business with the Government. This database will
also be used as a central location for maintaining organizational
information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the
Government. Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the
submission of applications via grants.gov (a DUNS number is needed for
CCR registration). For information about how to register in the CCR,
visit http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 days to complete the
CCR registration.
Signed in Washington, DC, on February 23, 2010.
William J. Murphy,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2010-4111 Filed 2-26-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P