80_FR_35417 80 FR 35299 - Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2015

80 FR 35299 - Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2015

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 118 (June 19, 2015)

Page Range35299-35302
FR Document2015-15193

This Notice is to invite applications for loans and grants under the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) pursuant to 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, for fiscal year (FY) 2015. Funding to support $14.190 million in loans and $2.086 million in grants is currently available. The RMAP funds were provided through the Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79, on February 7, 2014 (2014 Farm Bill). RMAP provides the following types of support: loan only, combination loan and technical assistance grant, and subsequent technical assistance grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDO). All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications or costs incurred prior to the obligation date.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 118 (Friday, June 19, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 118 (Friday, June 19, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35299-35302]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15193]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Rural 
Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2015

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice is to invite applications for loans and grants 
under the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) pursuant to 
7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, for fiscal year (FY) 2015. Funding to 
support $14.190 million in loans and $2.086 million in grants is 
currently available. The RMAP funds were provided through the 
Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79, on February 7, 2014 (2014 
Farm Bill). RMAP provides the following types of support: loan only, 
combination loan and technical assistance grant, and subsequent 
technical assistance grants to Microenterprise Development 
Organizations (MDO).
    All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in 
developing their applications or costs incurred prior to the obligation 
date.

DATES: Applicants may apply during a Federal fiscal quarter to be 
considered for the next quarter's funding. Complete applications for 
loan only, and combination loan and grant, must be received in the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Offices no 
later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on the last day prior to the 
beginning of each Federal fiscal quarter to be considered for funding. 
Applications received after a Federal fiscal quarter deadline will be 
reviewed and evaluated for funding in the next Federal fiscal quarter. 
Applications that have not competed for four consecutive quarters, 
depending on funding availability, may be considered in FY 2016.
    The subsequent microlender technical assistance grant (existing 
MDOs with a microentrepenuer revolving loan fund) will be made, non-
competitively, based on the microlender's microlending activity and 
availability of funds. To determine the microlender technical 
assistance grant awards for FY 2015, the Agency will use the 
microlender's outstanding balance of microloans as of June 30, 2015, to 
calculate this amount. MDOs that are eligible for an annual grant may 
apply.

ADDRESSES: Applications and forms may be obtained from any Rural 
Development State Office or online at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program. Applicants must 
submit an original complete application to the USDA Rural Development 
State Office in the State where the applicant's headquarters is 
located. A list of the USDA Rural Development State Offices addresses 
and telephone numbers can be found online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/StateOfficeAddresses.html.

[[Page 35300]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Specialty Programs Division, Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW., MS 3226, Room 4204-South, Washington, DC 
20250-3226, or call Kathleen Goldsmith at 202-720-1400.

Overview

    Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance 
Program.
    Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.870.
    Dates: Applicants may apply during a Federal fiscal quarter to be 
considered for the next quarter's funding. Complete applications for 
loan only, combination loan and grant, and technical assistance grant-
only must be received in the USDA Rural Development State Offices no 
later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on the last day prior to the 
beginning of each Federal fiscal quarter to be considered for funding. 
Applications received after a Federal fiscal quarter deadline will be 
reviewed and evaluated for funding in the next Federal fiscal quarter. 
Applications that have not competed for four consecutive quarters, 
depending on funding availability, may be considered in FY 2016.
    Subsequent microlender annual technical assistance grants are non-
competitive. The Agency has established June 30 of each year as the 
date to determine the grant amount using the MDO's outstanding balance 
of microloans as of that date.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    A. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of RMAP is to support the 
development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and 
microenterprises defined in 7 CFR 4280.302.
    B. Statutory Authority. RMAP is authorized by Section 379E of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s). 
Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Assistance 
provided to rural areas under this program may include the provision of 
loans and grants to rural MDOs for the provision of microloans to rural 
microenterprises and microentrepreneurs; provision of business-based 
training and technical assistance to rural microborrowers and potential 
microborrowers; and other such activities as deemed appropriate by the 
Secretary to ensure the development and ongoing success of rural 
microenterprises. Awards are made on a competitive basis using specific 
selection criteria contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Information 
required to be in the application is specified in 7 CFR 4280.315.
    For entities applying for program loan funds to become an RMAP 
microlender only, the following items are required: (1) Form RD 1910-
11, ``Certification of No Federal Debt;'' (2) Demonstration that the 
applicant is eligible to apply to participate in this program; (3) 
Certification by the applicant that it cannot obtain sufficient credit 
elsewhere to fund the activities called for under this program with 
similar rates and terms; and (4) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance 
Agreement.''
    Subsequent annual microlender technical assistance grants are 
subject to funding availability, in accordance with 7 CFR 
4280.313(b)(2). Awards will be determined non-competitively based on 
Agency appropriations for the fiscal year. The MDO must submit a 
prescribed worksheet, listing the outstanding balance of their 
microloans and unexpended grant funds as of the date of their request 
and a letter certifying that their organization still meets all the 
requirements set forth in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and that no 
significant changes have occurred within the last year that would 
affect its ability to carry out the MDO functions. In addition, all 
MDOs who request Subsequent Annual Microlender Technical Assistance 
Grants must complete their reporting into the Lenders Interactive 
Network Connection (LINC) for the Federal fiscal quarter ending June 
30, 2015. The deadline for reporting into LINC and requesting a TA 
grant is no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on July 31, 2015.
    C. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this Notice 
are published at 7 CFR 4280.302.
    D. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score 
applications received in response to this Notice based on the 
provisions found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and as indicated in 
this Notice. However, the Agency advises all interested parties that 
the applicant bears the burden in preparing and submitting an 
application in response to this Notice whether or not funding is 
appropriated for this program in FY 2015.

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Loans and/or Grants.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2015.
    Available Funds. Anyone interested in submitting an application for 
funding under this program is encouraged to consult the Rural 
Development Web Newsroom Web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas for funding information. Funds 
will be prioritized as follows: (1) Combination loan and grants; (2) 
loan only; and (3) subsequent microlender technical assistance grants.
    Total Funds: $16,276,000.
    Loans: $14,190,000.
    MDO Grants: $2,086,000.
    Maximum Award: The minimum loan amount Microenterprise Development 
Organizations (MDO) may borrow under this program is $50,000. The 
maximum loan any MDO may borrow in any given year is $500,000. The 
commitment of program dollars will be made to applicants of selected 
responses that have fulfilled the necessary requirements for 
obligation. If the applicant is applying for an initial loan, they may 
also apply for a technical assistance grant. Grant funds are limited to 
no more than 25 percent up to the first $400,000 of the loan request 
(or $100,000). Loan requests of greater than $400,000 are eligible to 
receive $100,000, plus 5 percent of the amount over $400,000.
    The maximum subsequent technical assistance grant (to MDOs that 
have an existing microentrepeneur revolving loan fund) amount for a 
microlender is 25 percent of the first $400,000 of outstanding 
microloans owed to the microlender under this program, plus an 
additional 5 percent of the outstanding loan amount owed by the 
microborrowers to the lender under this program over $400,000 up to and 
including $2.5 million. Any grant dollars obligated, but not spent, 
from the initial grant, will be subtracted from the subsequent year 
grant to ensure that obligations cover only microloans made and active.
    Application Dates: The last day of each Federal fiscal quarter.

III. Eligibility Information

    A. Eligible Applicants. To be eligible for this program, the 
applicant must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4280.310. In 
addition to the requirements in 7 CFR 4280.310, applicants must not be 
delinquent on any Federal debt or otherwise disqualified from 
participation in this program to be eligible to apply. All other 
restrictions in this Notice will apply.
    B. Cost Sharing or Matching. The Federal share of the eligible 
project cost of a microborrower's project funded under this Notice 
shall not exceed 75 percent. The cost share requirement shall be met by 
the microlender in accordance with the requirements specified in 7 CFR 
4280.311(d).
    The MDO is required to provide a match of not less than 15 percent 
of the

[[Page 35301]]

total amount of the grant in the form of matching funds, indirect 
costs, or in-kind goods or services.
    C. Other Eligibility Requirements. Applications will only be 
accepted from eligible MDOs. Eligible MDOs must score a minimum of 70 
points out of 100 points to be considered to receive an award. Awards 
for each Federal fiscal quarter will be based on ranking with the 
highest ranking applications being funded first, subject to available 
funding.
    D. Completeness Eligibility. All applications must be submitted as 
a complete application, in one package. Applications will not be 
considered for funding if they do not provide sufficient information to 
determine eligibility or are unbound, falling apart, or otherwise not 
suitable for evaluation. Such applications will be withdrawn.

IV. Fiscal Year 2015 Application and Submission Information

    A. Address to Request Application Package: For further information, 
entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact the Rural 
Development State Office as identified in the ADDRESSES section of this 
Notice to obtain copies of the application package.
    An MDO may submit an initial application for a loan with a 
microlender technical assistance grant, or an initial or subsequent 
loan-only (without a microlender technical assistance grant). Loan 
applications must be submitted in paper format and must be bound in a 
3-ring binder and be organized in the same order set forth in 7 CFR 
4280.315. To ensure timely delivery, applicants are strongly encouraged 
to submit their applications using an overnight, express, or parcel 
delivery service.
    B. Content and Form of Submission: An application must contain all 
of the required elements outlined in 7 CFR 4280.315. Each application 
must address the applicable scoring criteria presented in 7 CFR 
4280.316 for the type of funding being requested.
    C. Submission Dates and Times: The original complete application 
must be received by the USDA Rural Development State Office no later 
than 4:30 p.m. local time by the application deadline dates listed 
above, regardless of the postmark date, in order to be considered for 
funds available in that Federal fiscal quarter.
    Unless withdrawn by the applicant, completed applications that 
receive a score of at least 70 (the minimum required to be considered 
for funding), but have not yet been funded, will be retained by the 
Agency for consideration in subsequent reviews through a total of four 
consecutive quarterly reviews. Applications that remain unfunded after 
four quarterly reviews, including the initial quarter in which the 
application was competed, will not be considered further for an award.
    D. Explanation of Dates: Applications must be in the USDA Rural 
Development State Office by the dates as indicated in the DATES section 
of this Notice.

V. Application Review Information

    A. Criteria. All eligible and complete applications will be 
evaluated and scored based on the selection criteria and weights 
contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Failure to address any one of 
the criteria by the application deadline will result in the application 
being determined ineligible and the application will not be considered 
for funding. An application must receive at least 70 points to be 
considered for funding in the quarter in which it is scored.
    B. Review and Selection Process. The State Offices will review 
applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on 
requirements contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. If determined 
eligible, the application will be submitted to the National Office, 
where it will be reviewed and prioritized by ranking each application, 
received in that quarter, in highest to lowest score order. All 
applications will be funded until funds have been exhausted for each 
funding cycle. Funding of projects is subject to the MDO's satisfactory 
submission of the additional items required by that subpart and the 
USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions.

VI. Award Administration Information

    A. Award Notices. Successful applicants will receive notification 
for funding from the USDA Rural Development State Office. Applicants 
must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the 
award will be approved. Provided the application and eligibility 
requirements have not changed, an application not selected will be 
reconsidered for three subsequent funding competitions for a total of 
four competitions. If an application is withdrawn, it can be 
resubmitted and will be evaluated as a new application. Unsuccessful 
applications will receive notification by mail, detailing why the 
application was unsuccessful.
    B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Additional 
requirements that apply to MDO's selected for this program can be found 
in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. The USDA and the Agency have adopted the 
USDA grant regulations at 2 CFR chapter IV. This regulation 
incorporates the new Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations 
2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 400.1 to 400.18 for monitoring and servicing RMAP 
funding.
    C. Reporting. In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR 200 and 
2 CFR 400.1 to 400.18, the MDO must provide reports as required by 7 
CFR part 4280, subpart D.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For general questions about this Notice, please contact your USDA 
Rural Development State Office as provided in the ADDRESSES section of 
this Notice.

VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
information collection requirements associated with the Rural 
Microentrepenuer Assistance Program, as covered in this Notice, has 
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB 
Control Number 0570-0062.

IX. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

    All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a Dun 
and Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number, which can be 
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or 
online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Similarly, all applicants for 
grants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) 
prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM 
at http://www.sam.gov. All recipients of Federal financial assistance 
are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and 
executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.

X. Nondiscrimination Statement

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination 
against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the 
bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender 
identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, 
marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all 
or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance 
program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any 
program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all 
prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment 
activities.)

[[Page 35302]]

    If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of 
discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form 
(PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-
9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of 
the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint 
form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442, or email at 
[email protected].
    Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech 
disabilities and who wish to file either an EEO or program complaint, 
please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 
or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).
    Persons with disabilities, who wish to file a program complaint, 
please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or 
by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program 
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), please 
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

    Dated: June 10, 2015.
Lillian E. Salerno,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15193 Filed 6-18-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P

35299 Notices Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 118 Friday, June 19, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER a public conversation to develop revised grants is currently available. The RMAP contains documents other than rules or proposed directives. funds were provided through the proposed rules that are applicable to the The response to the proposal from Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law public. Notices of hearings and investigations, conservation organizations and Tribes 113–79, on February 7, 2014 (2014 Farm committee meetings, agency decisions and was generally favorable; however, States Bill). RMAP provides the following rulings, delegations of authority, filing of and a number of other organizations petitions and applications and agency types of support: loan only, combination statements of organization and functions are raised concerns that the proposed loan and technical assistance grant, and examples of documents appearing in this directive would exceed the Agency’s subsequent technical assistance grants section. authorities and infringe on State to Microenterprise Development authorities to allocate water. The Organizations (MDO). proposed directives did not, and any All applicants are responsible for any DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE future actions will not, infringe on State expenses incurred in developing their authority, impose requirements on applications or costs incurred prior to Forest Service private landowners, or change the long- the obligation date. RIN 0596–AC51 standing relationship between the Forest Service, States, and Tribes on DATES: Applicants may apply during a water. Federal fiscal quarter to be considered Proposed Directive on Groundwater The intent of any new groundwater for the next quarter’s funding. Complete Resource Management, Forest Service proposed directive or next steps would applications for loan only, and Manual 2560 be to establish a clearer and more combination loan and grant, must be AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. consistent approach to evaluating and received in the U.S. Department of ACTION:Notice of withdrawal of monitoring the effects of actions on Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development proposed directive. groundwater resources of the National State Offices no later than 4:30 p.m. Forest System. It is clear the Agency (local time) on the last day prior to the SUMMARY: On May 7, 2014, the Forest must have further discussions with key beginning of each Federal fiscal quarter Service published an action proposing publics on this issue. The decision to to be considered for funding. to amend its internal agency directives withdraw the May 2014 groundwater Applications received after a Federal for the National Forest System (NFS), proposed directives will allow these fiscal quarter deadline will be reviewed Watershed and Air Management to conversations to take place. The Forest and evaluated for funding in the next establish direction for management of Service will use the additional input Federal fiscal quarter. Applications that groundwater resources on NFS lands (79 received from engagements with States have not competed for four consecutive FR 25815). The proposed amendment and other citizen groups to develop new quarters, depending on funding was intended to provide internal agency proposed directives to create a availability, may be considered in FY direction on the consideration of consistent approach to evaluating and 2016. groundwater resources in Agency monitoring effects to groundwater The subsequent microlender technical activities, approvals, and authorizations; resulting from actions on NFS lands. assistance grant (existing MDOs with a encourage source water protection and microentrepenuer revolving loan fund) water conservation; establish systematic Dated: June 15, 2015. will be made, non-competitively, based procedures for reviewing new proposals Thomas L. Tidwell, on the microlender’s microlending for groundwater withdrawals on NFS Chief, Forest Service. activity and availability of funds. To lands; and require the evaluation of [FR Doc. 2015–15151 Filed 6–18–15; 8:45 am] determine the microlender technical potential impacts from groundwater BILLING CODE 3411–15–P assistance grant awards for FY 2015, the withdrawals on public resources on Agency will use the microlender’s NFS lands. That notice invited public outstanding balance of microloans as of comment on the proposal. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE June 30, 2015, to calculate this amount. DATES: Not applicable. MDOs that are eligible for an annual Rural Business-Cooperative Service ADDRESSES: No further comments will grant may apply. be accepted on this proposal. Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for ADDRESSES: Applications and forms may FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the Rural Microentrepreneur be obtained from any Rural Robert Harper, Director, Watershed, Assistance Program for Fiscal Year Development State Office or online at Fish, Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants Staff, 2015 http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs- (202) 205–1671. AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative services/rural-microentrepreneur- SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service, USDA. assistance-program. Applicants must Agency has determined that its proposal submit an original complete application asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ACTION: Notice. does not adequately meet its needs. to the USDA Rural Development State Therefore, the Agency hereby SUMMARY: This Notice is to invite Office in the State where the applicant’s withdraws the proposal to amend its applications for loans and grants under headquarters is located. A list of the internal Agency directives for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance USDA Rural Development State Offices Watershed and Air Management to Program (RMAP) pursuant to 7 CFR part addresses and telephone numbers can establish direction for management of 4280, subpart D, for fiscal year (FY) be found online at http:// groundwater resources on National 2015. Funding to support $14.190 www.rurdev.usda.gov/ Forest System lands and will engage in million in loans and $2.086 million in StateOfficeAddresses.html. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Jun 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM 19JNN1

35300 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 118 / Friday, June 19, 2015 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: CFR part 4280, subpart D. Information funding information. Funds will be Specialty Programs Division, Rural required to be in the application is prioritized as follows: (1) Combination Business-Cooperative Service, United specified in 7 CFR 4280.315. loan and grants; (2) loan only; and (3) States Department of Agriculture, 1400 For entities applying for program loan subsequent microlender technical Independence Avenue SW., MS 3226, funds to become an RMAP microlender assistance grants. Room 4204-South, Washington, DC only, the following items are required: Total Funds: $16,276,000. 20250–3226, or call Kathleen Goldsmith (1) Form RD 1910–11, ‘‘Certification of Loans: $14,190,000. at 202–720–1400. No Federal Debt;’’ (2) Demonstration MDO Grants: $2,086,000. that the applicant is eligible to apply to Maximum Award: The minimum loan Overview participate in this program; (3) amount Microenterprise Development Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural Certification by the applicant that it Organizations (MDO) may borrow under Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. cannot obtain sufficient credit this program is $50,000. The maximum Announcement Type: Initial elsewhere to fund the activities called loan any MDO may borrow in any given Announcement. for under this program with similar year is $500,000. The commitment of Catalog of Federal Domestic rates and terms; and (4) Form RD 400– program dollars will be made to Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.870. 4, ‘‘Assurance Agreement.’’ applicants of selected responses that Dates: Applicants may apply during a Subsequent annual microlender have fulfilled the necessary Federal fiscal quarter to be considered technical assistance grants are subject to requirements for obligation. If the for the next quarter’s funding. Complete funding availability, in accordance with applicant is applying for an initial loan, applications for loan only, combination 7 CFR 4280.313(b)(2). Awards will be they may also apply for a technical loan and grant, and technical assistance determined non-competitively based on assistance grant. Grant funds are limited grant-only must be received in the Agency appropriations for the fiscal to no more than 25 percent up to the USDA Rural Development State Offices year. The MDO must submit a first $400,000 of the loan request (or no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on prescribed worksheet, listing the $100,000). Loan requests of greater than the last day prior to the beginning of outstanding balance of their microloans $400,000 are eligible to receive each Federal fiscal quarter to be and unexpended grant funds as of the $100,000, plus 5 percent of the amount considered for funding. Applications date of their request and a letter over $400,000. received after a Federal fiscal quarter certifying that their organization still The maximum subsequent technical deadline will be reviewed and evaluated meets all the requirements set forth in assistance grant (to MDOs that have an for funding in the next Federal fiscal 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and that no existing microentrepeneur revolving quarter. Applications that have not significant changes have occurred loan fund) amount for a microlender is competed for four consecutive quarters, within the last year that would affect its 25 percent of the first $400,000 of depending on funding availability, may ability to carry out the MDO functions. outstanding microloans owed to the be considered in FY 2016. In addition, all MDOs who request microlender under this program, plus an Subsequent microlender annual Subsequent Annual Microlender additional 5 percent of the outstanding technical assistance grants are non- Technical Assistance Grants must loan amount owed by the competitive. The Agency has complete their reporting into the microborrowers to the lender under this established June 30 of each year as the Lenders Interactive Network Connection program over $400,000 up to and date to determine the grant amount (LINC) for the Federal fiscal quarter including $2.5 million. Any grant using the MDO’s outstanding balance of ending June 30, 2015. The deadline for dollars obligated, but not spent, from microloans as of that date. reporting into LINC and requesting a TA the initial grant, will be subtracted from I. Funding Opportunity Description grant is no later than 4:30 p.m. (local the subsequent year grant to ensure that time) on July 31, 2015. obligations cover only microloans made A. Purpose of the Program. The C. Definition of Terms. The and active. purpose of RMAP is to support the definitions applicable to this Notice are Application Dates: The last day of development and ongoing success of published at 7 CFR 4280.302. each Federal fiscal quarter. rural microentrepreneurs and D. Application Awards. The Agency microenterprises defined in 7 CFR III. Eligibility Information will review, evaluate, and score 4280.302. applications received in response to this A. Eligible Applicants. To be eligible B. Statutory Authority. RMAP is Notice based on the provisions found in for this program, the applicant must authorized by Section 379E of the 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and as meet the eligibility requirements in 7 Consolidated Farm and Rural indicated in this Notice. However, the CFR 4280.310. In addition to the Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s). Agency advises all interested parties requirements in 7 CFR 4280.310, Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part that the applicant bears the burden in applicants must not be delinquent on 4280, subpart D. Assistance provided to preparing and submitting an application any Federal debt or otherwise rural areas under this program may in response to this Notice whether or disqualified from participation in this include the provision of loans and not funding is appropriated for this program to be eligible to apply. All grants to rural MDOs for the provision program in FY 2015. other restrictions in this Notice will of microloans to rural microenterprises apply. and microentrepreneurs; provision of II. Award Information B. Cost Sharing or Matching. The business-based training and technical Federal share of the eligible project cost asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Type of Awards: Loans and/or Grants. assistance to rural microborrowers and Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2015. of a microborrower’s project funded potential microborrowers; and other Available Funds. Anyone interested under this Notice shall not exceed 75 such activities as deemed appropriate in submitting an application for funding percent. The cost share requirement by the Secretary to ensure the under this program is encouraged to shall be met by the microlender in development and ongoing success of consult the Rural Development Web accordance with the requirements rural microenterprises. Awards are Newsroom Web site at http:// specified in 7 CFR 4280.311(d). made on a competitive basis using www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices- The MDO is required to provide a specific selection criteria contained in 7 solicitation-applications-nosas for match of not less than 15 percent of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Jun 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM 19JNN1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 118 / Friday, June 19, 2015 / Notices 35301 total amount of the grant in the form of consideration in subsequent reviews program can be found in 7 CFR part matching funds, indirect costs, or in- through a total of four consecutive 4280, subpart D. The USDA and the kind goods or services. quarterly reviews. Applications that Agency have adopted the USDA grant C. Other Eligibility Requirements. remain unfunded after four quarterly regulations at 2 CFR chapter IV. This Applications will only be accepted from reviews, including the initial quarter in regulation incorporates the new Office eligible MDOs. Eligible MDOs must which the application was competed, of Management and Budget (OMB) score a minimum of 70 points out of 100 will not be considered further for an regulations 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 400.1 points to be considered to receive an award. to 400.18 for monitoring and servicing award. Awards for each Federal fiscal D. Explanation of Dates: Applications RMAP funding. quarter will be based on ranking with must be in the USDA Rural C. Reporting. In addition to any the highest ranking applications being Development State Office by the dates reports required by 2 CFR 200 and 2 funded first, subject to available as indicated in the DATES section of this CFR 400.1 to 400.18, the MDO must funding. Notice. provide reports as required by 7 CFR D. Completeness Eligibility. All part 4280, subpart D. applications must be submitted as a V. Application Review Information complete application, in one package. A. Criteria. All eligible and complete VII. Agency Contacts Applications will not be considered for applications will be evaluated and For general questions about this funding if they do not provide sufficient scored based on the selection criteria Notice, please contact your USDA Rural information to determine eligibility or and weights contained in 7 CFR part Development State Office as provided in are unbound, falling apart, or otherwise 4280, subpart D. Failure to address any the ADDRESSES section of this Notice. not suitable for evaluation. Such one of the criteria by the application deadline will result in the application VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act applications will be withdrawn. being determined ineligible and the In accordance with the Paperwork IV. Fiscal Year 2015 Application and application will not be considered for Reduction Act of 1995, the information Submission Information funding. An application must receive at collection requirements associated with A. Address to Request Application least 70 points to be considered for the Rural Microentrepenuer Assistance Package: For further information, funding in the quarter in which it is Program, as covered in this Notice, has entities wishing to apply for assistance scored. been approved by the Office of should contact the Rural Development B. Review and Selection Process. The Management and Budget (OMB) under State Office as identified in the State Offices will review applications to OMB Control Number 0570–0062. ADDRESSES section of this Notice to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on requirements IX. Federal Funding Accountability and obtain copies of the application contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart Transparency Act package. An MDO may submit an initial D. If determined eligible, the application All applicants, in accordance with 2 application for a loan with a will be submitted to the National Office, CFR part 25, must have a Dun and microlender technical assistance grant, where it will be reviewed and Bradstreet Data Universal Number or an initial or subsequent loan-only prioritized by ranking each application, System (DUNS) number, which can be (without a microlender technical received in that quarter, in highest to obtained at no cost via a toll-free request assistance grant). Loan applications lowest score order. All applications will line at (866) 705–5711 or online at must be submitted in paper format and be funded until funds have been http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. must be bound in a 3-ring binder and be exhausted for each funding cycle. Similarly, all applicants for grants must organized in the same order set forth in Funding of projects is subject to the be registered in the System for Award 7 CFR 4280.315. To ensure timely MDO’s satisfactory submission of the Management (SAM) prior to submitting delivery, applicants are strongly additional items required by that an application. Applicants may register encouraged to submit their applications subpart and the USDA Rural for the SAM at http://www.sam.gov. All using an overnight, express, or parcel Development Letter of Conditions. recipients of Federal financial assistance delivery service. are required to report information about B. Content and Form of Submission: VI. Award Administration Information first-tier sub-awards and executive total An application must contain all of the A. Award Notices. Successful compensation in accordance with 2 CFR required elements outlined in 7 CFR applicants will receive notification for part 170. 4280.315. Each application must funding from the USDA Rural Development State Office. Applicants X. Nondiscrimination Statement address the applicable scoring criteria presented in 7 CFR 4280.316 for the must comply with all applicable statutes The U.S. Department of Agriculture type of funding being requested. and regulations before the award will be (USDA) prohibits discrimination against C. Submission Dates and Times: The approved. Provided the application and its customers, employees, and original complete application must be eligibility requirements have not applicants for employment on the bases received by the USDA Rural changed, an application not selected of race, color, national origin, age, Development State Office no later than will be reconsidered for three disability, sex, gender identity, religion, 4:30 p.m. local time by the application subsequent funding competitions for a reprisal, and where applicable, political deadline dates listed above, regardless total of four competitions. If an beliefs, marital status, familial or of the postmark date, in order to be application is withdrawn, it can be parental status, sexual orientation, or all asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES considered for funds available in that resubmitted and will be evaluated as a or part of an individual’s income is Federal fiscal quarter. new application. Unsuccessful derived from any public assistance Unless withdrawn by the applicant, applications will receive notification by program, or protected genetic completed applications that receive a mail, detailing why the application was information in employment or in any score of at least 70 (the minimum unsuccessful. program or activity conducted or funded required to be considered for funding), B. Administrative and National Policy by the Department. (Not all prohibited but have not yet been funded, will be Requirements. Additional requirements bases will apply to all programs and/or retained by the Agency for that apply to MDO’s selected for this employment activities.) VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Jun 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM 19JNN1

35302 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 118 / Friday, June 19, 2015 / Notices If you wish to file a Civil Rights information above on how to contact us ACTION: Notice and Opportunity for program complaint of discrimination, by mail directly or by email. If you Public Comment. complete the USDA Program require alternative means of Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), communication for program information Pursuant to Section 251 of the Trade found online at http:// (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, Act 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2341 www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ etc.), please contact USDA’s TARGET et seq.), the Economic Development cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and Administration (EDA) has received (866) 632–9992 to request the form. You TDD). petitions for certification of eligibility to may also write a letter containing all of Dated: June 10, 2015. apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance the information requested in the form. Lillian E. Salerno, from the firms listed below. Send your completed complaint form or Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Accordingly, EDA has initiated letter to us by mail at U.S. Department Service. investigations to determine whether of Agriculture, Director, Office of [FR Doc. 2015–15193 Filed 6–18–15; 8:45 am] increased imports into the United States Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P of articles like or directly competitive 9410, by fax (202) 690–7442, or email at with those produced by each of these program.intake@usda.gov. firms contributed importantly to the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE total or partial separation of the firm’s Individuals who are deaf, hard of workers, or threat thereof, and to a hearing, or have speech disabilities and Economic Development Administration decrease in sales or production of each who wish to file either an EEO or Notice of Petitions by Firms for petitioning firm. program complaint, please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Determination of Eligibility To Apply Service at (800) 877–8339 or (800) 845– for Trade Adjustment Assistance 6136 (in Spanish). AGENCY:Economic Development Persons with disabilities, who wish to Administration, Department of file a program complaint, please see Commerce. LIST OF PETITIONS RECEIVED BY EDA FOR CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE 6/12/2015 THROUGH 6/15/2015 Date accepted Firm name Firm address Product(s) for investigation Joval Machine Company, Inc 515 Main Street, Yalesville, 6/15/2015 The firm manufactures sheet metal and fiberglass heat CT 06492. shielding insulating products. Custom Metal Finishers, Inc. 502 East Industrial Drive, 6/15/2015 The firm manufactures various metal valves components Mountain View, MO 65548. used in gas appliance. Any party having a substantial DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE specific finished products described in interest in these proceedings may the submitted notification (as described request a public hearing on the matter. Foreign-Trade Zones Board below) and subsequently authorized by A written request for a hearing must be the FTZ Board. [B–41–2015] submitted to the Trade Adjustment Production under FTZ procedures Assistance for Firms Division, Room Notification of Proposed Production could exempt BMWMC from customs 71030, Economic Development Activity, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC, duty payments on the foreign status Administration, U.S. Department of Subzone 38A, (Motor Vehicles), materials and components used in Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, no Spartanburg, South Carolina export production. On its domestic later than ten (10) calendar days sales, BMWMC would be able to choose following publication of this notice. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC the duty rate during customs entry (BMWMC), operator of Subzone 38A, procedures that applies to passenger Please follow the requirements set motor vehicles and related bodies (duty forth in EDA’s regulations at 13 CFR submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board for rate 2.5%) for the foreign status 315.9 for procedures to request a public materials and components noted below its facility in Spartanburg, South hearing. The Catalog of Federal and in the existing scope of authority. Carolina. The notification conforming to Domestic Assistance official number the requirements of the regulations of Customs duties also could possibly be and title for the program under which the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was deferred or reduced on foreign status these petitions are submitted is 11.313, received on June 3, 2015. production equipment. Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms. BMWMC already has authority to The materials and components produce passenger sedans, coupes, and sourced from abroad include: first-aid asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Dated: June 15, 2015. Michael S. DeVillo, sport utility vehicles. The current kits; acrylic/vinyl paints; trunk lid Eligibility Examiner. request would add a new finished adhesives; acoustic absorber foams; tire product (passenger vehicle bodies) and sealants; rubber assembly gaskets; tires; [FR Doc. 2015–15113 Filed 6–18–15; 8:45 am] foreign-status materials and components felt strips (HTSUS Subheadings BILLING CODE 3510–WH–P to the scope of authority. Pursuant to 15 5602.10, 5602.90); damping strips CFR 400.14(b), additional FTZ authority (Subheading 5602.90); tufted floor would be limited to the specific foreign- coverings; carpet sets; velcro straps; status materials and components and glass; windshields; steel flanges; iron/ VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Jun 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM 19JNN1


Document Created: 2018-02-22 11:10:04
Document Modified: 2018-02-22 11:10:04
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesApplicants may apply during a Federal fiscal quarter to be considered for the next quarter's funding. Complete applications for loan only, and combination loan and grant, must be received in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Offices no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on the last day prior to the beginning of each Federal fiscal quarter to be considered for funding. Applications received after a Federal fiscal quarter deadline will be reviewed and evaluated for funding in the next Federal fiscal quarter. Applications that have not competed for four consecutive quarters, depending on funding availability, may be considered in FY 2016.
ContactSpecialty Programs Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., MS 3226, Room 4204-South, Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call Kathleen Goldsmith at 202-720-1400.
FR Citation80 FR 35299 
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