80 FR 60349 - Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Fiscal Year 2016
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 193 (October 6, 2015)
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 193 (October 6, 2015)
| Page Range | 60349-60355 | |
| FR Document | 2015-25321 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 60349-60355] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-25321] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Fiscal Year 2016 AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation's critical energy needs. REAP have two types of funding assistance: (1) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance, and (2) [[Page 60350]] Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants. The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. Eligible renewable energy systems for REAP provide energy from: Wind, solar, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal, or hydrogen derived from these renewable resources. The Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant is available to a unit of State, Tribal, or local government; instrumentality of a State, Tribal, or local government; institution of higher education; rural electric cooperative; a public power entity; or a council, as defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant funds, grantee, will establish a program to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating the energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations. DATES: Grant applications, guaranteed loan-only applications, and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications for financial assistance under this subpart may be submitted at any time on an ongoing basis. Section IV.E. of this Notice establishes the deadline dates for the applications to be received in order to be considered for funding provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79), commonly referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill Act, for fiscal year 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The applicable USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator for your respective State, as identified via the following link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf. For information about this Notice, please contact Kelley Oehler, Branch Chief, USDA Rural Development, Energy Division, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 3225, Room 6870, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-6819. Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Eligible Applicants: This solicitation is for agricultural producers and rural small businesses, as well as units of State, Tribal, or local government; instrumentalities of a State, Tribal, or local government; institutions of higher education; rural electric cooperatives; public power entities; and councils, as defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451, which serve agricultural producers and rural small businesses. I. Program Description REAP is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation's critical energy needs. REAP has two types of funding assistance: (1) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance and (2) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants. A. General. Applications for REAP can be submitted on an ongoing basis. This Notice announces the deadline times and dates to submit applications for the REAP funds provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014, on February 7, 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), for fiscal year 2016 for grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants and guaranteed loans to purchase and install renewable energy systems, and make energy efficiency improvements; and for grants to conduct energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. Eligible renewable energy systems for REAP provide energy from wind, solar, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal, or hydrogen derived from these renewable resources. The Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant is available to a unit of State, Tribal, or local government; instrumentality of a State, Tribal, or local government; institution of higher education; rural electric cooperative; a public power entity; or a council, as defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant funds, (grantee), will establish a program to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating the energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations. The administrative requirements applicable to each type of funding available under REAP are described in 7 CFR, part 4280, subpart B. The provisions specified in 7 CFR 4280.101 through 4280.111 apply to each funding type described in this Notice. B. Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Project Grants. In addition to the other provisions of this Notice, the requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.112 through 4280.124 apply to renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement project grants. C. Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Project Guaranteed Loans. In addition to the other provisions of this Notice, the requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.125 through 4280.152 apply to guaranteed loans for renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement projects. For fiscal year 2016, the guarantee fee amount is one percent of the guaranteed portion of the loan, and the annual renewal fee is one-quarter of 1 percent (0.250 percent) of the guaranteed portion of the loan. D. Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Project Combined Grant and Guaranteed Loan Requests. In addition to the other provisions of this Notice, the requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.165 apply to a combined grant and guaranteed loan for renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement projects. E. Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants. In addition to the other provisions of this Notice, the requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.186 through 4280.196 apply to energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants. II. Federal Award Information A. Statutory Authority. This program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 8107. B. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number. 10.868. C. Funds Available. This Notice is announcing deadline times and dates for applications to be submitted for the REAP funds provided by the 2014 Farm Bill for fiscal year 2016. This Notice is being published prior to the congressional enactment of a full-year appropriation for fiscal year 2016. The Agency will continue to process applications received under this announcement and should REAP receive appropriated funds, these funds will be announced on the following Web site: www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas and subject to the same provisions in this Notice. (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant-only funds. For renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement projects only, there will be an allocation of grant funds to each Rural Development State Office. The State allocations will include an allocation for grants of $20,000 or less funds and an allocation of grant funds that can be used to fund renewable [[Page 60351]] energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants of either $20,000 or less or grants of more than $20,000, as well as the grant portion of a combination grant and guaranteed loan. These funds are commonly referred to as unrestricted grant funds. The funds for grants of $20,000 or less can only be used to fund grants requesting $20,000 or less. (a) To ensure that small projects have a fair opportunity to compete for the funding and are consistent with the priorities set forth in the statute, the Agency will set-aside 20 percent of the fiscal year 2016 funds until June 30, 2016, to fund grants of $20,000 or less. (b) Grant funds available for renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement will consist of fiscal year 2016 funds and any unused mandatory funding from fiscal year 2015. (2) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement loan guarantee funds. Rural Development's National Office will maintain a reserve of guaranteed loan funds. The amount of loan guarantee program level available will consist of fiscal year 2016 funds. (3) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan and grant combination funds. The amount of funds available for guaranteed loan and grant combination applications are outlined in paragraphs C(b)(1) and C(2) of this section. (4) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grant funds. The amount of funds available for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance in fiscal year 2016 will be 4 percent of fiscal year 2016 mandatory funds. Obligations of these funds will take place through March 31, 2016. Any unobligated balances will be moved to the renewable energy subsidy account as of April 1, 2016. These funds may be utilized in any of the renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement national competitions. D. Approximate Number of Awards. The estimated number of awards is 1,000 based on the historical average grant size and the anticipated mandatory funding of $50 million for fiscal year 2016, but will depend on the actual amount of funds made available and on the number of eligible applicants participating in this program. E. Type of Instrument. Grant, guaranteed loan, and grant/guaranteed loan combinations. III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants. To be eligible for the grant portion of the program, an applicant must meet the requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.109, 7 CFR 4280.110, and 7 CFR 4280.112, or 7 CFR 4280.186, as applicable. B. Eligible Lenders and Borrowers. To be eligible for the guaranteed portion of the program, lenders and borrowers must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4280.125 and 7 CFR 4280.127, as applicable. C. Eligible Projects. To be eligible for this program, a project must meet the eligibility requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.113, 7 CFR 4280.128, and 7 CFR 4280.187, as applicable. D. Cost Sharing or Matching. The 2014 Farm Bill mandates the maximum percentages of funding that REAP can provide. (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement funding approved for guaranteed loan-only requests and for combination guaranteed loan and grant requests will not exceed 75 percent of eligible project costs, with any Federal grant portion not to exceed 25 percent of the total eligible project costs, whether the grant is part of a combination request or is a grant-only. (2) Under the energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants, a grantee that conducts energy audits must require that, as a condition of providing the energy audit, the agricultural producer or rural small business pay at least 25 percent of the cost of the energy audit. E. Other. The definitions applicable to this Notice are published at 7 CFR 4280.103. Ineligible project costs can be found in 7 CFR 4280.114(d), 7 CFR 4280.129(f), and 7 CFR 4280.188(c), as applicable. IV. Application and Submission Information A. Address to Request Application. Application materials may be obtained by contacting one of Rural Development's Energy Coordinators, as identified via the following link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf. In addition, for grant applications, applicants may obtain electronic grant applications for REAP from http://www.Grants.gov. When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site. To use Grants.gov, all applicants must have a 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. USDA Rural Development strongly recommends that applicants do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. B. Application Submittal. (1) Grant applications. All grant applications may be submitted either as hard copy to the appropriate Rural Development Energy Coordinator or electronically using the Government-wide Grants.gov Web site. When submitting an application as hard copy, applicants must submit one original. (a) All renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement applications are to be submitted to the USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator in the State in which the applicant's proposed project is located. A list of USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinators is available via the following link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf. (b) All energy audit and renewable energy development assistance applications are to be submitted to the USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator in the State in which the applicant is headquartered. (c) Grant-only applicants submitting their electronic applications to the Agency via the Grants.gov Web site may download a copy of the application package to complete it off line and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site, including all information typically included in the application, and all necessary assurances and certifications. After electronically submitting an application through the Web site, the applicant will receive an automated acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (2) Guaranteed loan applications. Guaranteed loan-only applications (i.e., those that are not part of a guaranteed loan/grant combination request) must be submitted as hard copy to the appropriate Rural Development Energy Coordinator. (3) Guaranteed loan and grant combination applications. Applications for guaranteed loans/grants (combination applications) must be submitted as hard copy to the appropriate Rural Development Energy Coordinator. C. Content and Form of Application Submission. Applicants seeking to participate in this program must submit applications in accordance with this Notice and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B. Applicants must submit complete applications containing all parts necessary for the Agency to determine applicant and project eligibility, to score the application, and to conduct the technical evaluation, as applicable, in order to be considered. [[Page 60352]] (1) Competition. The application dates published in Section IV.E. of this Notice identify the times and dates by which complete applications must be received in order to compete for the funds available. (2) Grant applications. Information required for an application to be considered complete is found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B. (a) Grant applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects with total project costs of $80,000 or less must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.119. (b) Grant applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects with total project costs of $200,000 or less, but more than $80,000, must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.118. (c) Grant applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects with total project costs of greater than $200,000 must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.117. (d) Guaranteed loan applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.137. (e) Combined grant and guaranteed loan applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.165(c). (f) Applications for energy audits or renewable energy development assistance grants must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.190. (3) Race, ethnicity, and gender. The Agency is requesting that each applicant provide race, ethnicity, and gender information about the applicant. The information will allow the Agency to evaluate its outreach efforts to under-served and under-represented populations. Applicants are encouraged to furnish this information with their applications, but are not required to do so. An applicant's eligibility or the likelihood of receiving an award will not be impacted by furnishing or not furnishing this information. (4) Hybrid projects. If the application is for a hybrid project, as defined in 7 CFR 4280.103, technical reports, as required under 7 CFR 4280.110(h)(3), must be prepared for each technology that comprises the hybrid project. (5) Multiple facilities. Applicants may submit a single application that proposes to apply the same renewable energy system (including the same hybrid project) or energy efficiency improvement across multiple facilities. For example, a rural small business owner owns five retail stores and wishes to install solar panels on each store. The rural small business owner may submit a single application for installing the solar panels on the five stores. However, if this same owner wishes to install solar panels on three of the five stores and wind turbines for the other two stores, the owner can only submit an application for either the solar panels or for the wind turbines in the same fiscal year. (6) Fiscal Year 2015 Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant Applications for $20,000 or less. If an application for a project was submitted after April 30, 2015, for the first time for fiscal year 2015 funding and that initial application was determined eligible but was not funded in either the State or National unrestricted competitions, the Agency will consider that application for funding in the November 2, 2015, and May 2, 2016, State competitions for grants of $20,000 or less and the National competition for grants of $20,000 or less in fiscal year 2016. If an applicant submitted the initial application on or prior to April 30, 2015, the applicant must submit a new application, meeting the requirements of this Notice in order to be considered for fiscal year 2016 funds for that project, and a new submission date of record will be established. D. System for Award Management (SAM) and Dun and Bradstreet Universal Number System (DUNS) Number. Unless exempt under 2 CFR 25.110, all applicants must: (1) Be registered in SAM prior to submitting an application; (2) Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by the Agency; and (3) Provide its DUNS number in each application it submits to the Agency. (4) At the time the Agency is ready to make an award, if the applicant has not complied with paragraphs A(1) through A(3) of this section, the Agency may determine the applicant is not eligible to receive the award. E. Submission Dates and Times. Grant applications, guaranteed loan- only applications, and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications for financial assistance under this subpart may be submitted at any time on an ongoing basis. When an application window closes, the next application window opens on the following day. This Notice establishes the deadline dates for the applications to be received in order to be considered for funding provided by the 2014 Farm Bill for fiscal year 2016. An application received after these dates will be considered with other applications received in the next application window. In order to be considered for funds under this Notice, complete applications must be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office or via Grants.gov. The deadline for applications to be received to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2016 are outlined in the following paragraphs and also summarized in a table at the end of this section: (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications. Application deadlines for fiscal years 2016 grant funds are: (a) For applicants requesting $20,000 or less that wish to have their application compete for the ``Grants of $20,000 or less set aside,'' complete applications must be received no later than: (i) 4:30 p.m. local time on November 2, 2015, or (ii) 4:30 p.m. local time on May 2, 2016. (b) For applicants requesting grant funds of over $20,000 (unrestricted) or funding for a combination grant and guaranteed loan, complete applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on May 2, 2016. (2) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan-only applications. Applications will be reviewed and processed when received with monthly competitions on the first business day of each month for those applications eligible and ready to be funded. (3) Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance grant applications. Complete applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on February 1, 2016. [[Page 60353]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Application Application window opening dates Application window closing dates ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Renewable Energy Systems and July 1, 2015.......................... November 2, 2015. Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants ($20,000 or less competing for up to 50 percent of the set aside funds). Renewable Energy Systems and November 3, 2015...................... May 2, 2016.* Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants ($20,000 or less competing for the remaining set aside funds). Renewable Energy Systems and July 1, 2015.......................... May 2, 2016.* Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants (Unrestricted grants, including combination grant and guaranteed loan). Renewable Energy Systems and Continuous application cycle.......... Continuous application cycle. Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans. Energy Audit and Renewable Energy February 13, 2015..................... February 1, 2016.* Development Assistance Grants. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Applications received after this date will be considered for the next funding cycle in the subsequent fiscal year. F. Intergovernmental Review. REAP is not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. G. Funding Limitations. The following funding limitations apply to applications submitted under this Notice. (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement projects. (a) Applicants may apply for only one renewable energy system project and one energy efficiency improvement project in fiscal year 2016. (b) For renewable energy system grants, the minimum grant is $2,500 and the maximum is $500,000. For energy efficiency improvement grants, the minimum grant is $1,500 and the maximum grant is $250,000. (c) For renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement loan guarantees, the minimum REAP guaranteed loan amount is $5,000 and the maximum amount of a guaranteed loan to be provided to a borrower is $25 million. (d) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan and grant combination applications. Paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section contain the applicable maximum amounts and minimum amounts for grants and guaranteed loans. (2) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants. (a) Applicants may submit only one energy audit grant application and one renewable energy development assistance grant application for fiscal year 2016 funds. (b) The maximum aggregate amount of energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants awarded to any one recipient under this Notice cannot exceed $100,000 for fiscal year 2016. (c) The 2014 Farm Bill mandates that the recipient of a grant that conducts an energy audit for an agricultural producer or a rural small business must require the agricultural producer or rural small business to pay at least 25 percent of the cost of the energy audit, which shall be retained by the eligible entity for the cost of the audit. (3) Maximum grant assistance to an entity. For the purposes of this Notice, the maximum amount of grant assistance to an entity will not exceed $750,000 for fiscal year 2016 based on the total amount of the renewable energy system, energy efficiency improvement, energy audit, and renewable energy development assistance grants awarded to an entity under REAP. H. Other submission requirements and information. (1) Environmental information. For the Agency to consider an application, the application must include all environmental review documents with supporting documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G. Applications for financial assistance for planning or management purposes are typically categorically excluded from the environmental review process by 7 CFR 1940.310(e)(1). Any required environmental review must be completed prior to obligation of funds or the approval of the application. Applicants are advised to contact the Agency to determine environmental requirements as soon as practicable to ensure adequate review time. (2) Felony conviction and tax delinquent status. Corporate applicants submitting applications under this Notice must include Form AD 3030, ``Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.'' Corporate applicants who receive an award under this Notice will be required to sign Form AD 3031, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.'' Both forms can be found online at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3030; and http://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3031. (3) Original signatures. USDA Rural Development may request that the applicant provide original signatures on forms submitted through Grants.gov at a later date. (4) Transparency Act Reporting. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub- awards and executive compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170. So long as an entity applicant does not have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b), the applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements should the applicant receive funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b). V. Application Review Information A. Evaluation Criteria. All complete applications will be scored in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.120, 4280.135, and 4280.192 and as supplemented below. (1) For fiscal year 2016, if the State Director and Administrator consider awarding priority points under 7 CFR 4280.120(g), the State Director and the Administrator will take into consideration paragraphs V.A(1)(a) and (b) below. (a) With regard to 7 CFR 4280.120(g)(3), which addresses applicants who are members of unserved and under-served populations, a project that is: (i) Owned by a veteran, including but not limited to individuals as sole proprietors, members, partners, stockholders, etc., of not less than 20 percent. In order to receive points, applicants must provide a statement in their applications to indicate that owners of the project have veteran status; and (ii) Owned by a member of a socially-disadvantaged group, which are groups whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. In order to receive points, the application must include a statement to indicate that the owners of [[Page 60354]] the project are members of a socially-disadvantaged group. (b) With regard to 7 CFR 4280.120(g)(4), which addresses applications that further a Presidential initiative or a Secretary of Agriculture priority, projects: (i) Located in rural areas with the lowest incomes where, according to the most recent 5-year American Community Survey data by census, tracts show that at least 20 percent of the population is living in poverty. This will support Secretary of Agriculture's priority of providing 20 percent of its funding by 2016 to these areas of need and (ii) Located in designated Strike Force or Promise Zone areas, which is a Secretary of Agriculture's priority. (2) Combined grant and guaranteed loan applications will be scored in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.120. (3) For hybrid applications, each technical report will be evaluated based on its own merit. B. Review and Selection Process. Grant-only applications, guaranteed loan-only applications, and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications for financial assistance may be submitted at any time. In order to be considered for funds, complete applications must be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office or via Grants.gov, as identified in Section IV.E., of this Notice. (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants. Due to the competitive nature of this program, applications are competed based on submittal date. The submittal date is the date the Agency receives a complete application. The complete application date is the date the Agency receives the last piece of information that allows the Agency to determine eligibility and to score, rank, and compete the application for funding. (a) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants of $20,000 or less State funds. Funds will be allocated to the States. Applications must be submitted by November 2, 2015, or May 2, 2016, in order to be considered for these set-aside funds. The State will award 50 percent of these funds for those complete applications the Agency receives by November 2, 2015, and 50 percent of the funds for those complete applications the Agency receives by May 2, 2016. All State allocated unused funds for grants of $20,000 or less will be pooled to the National Office. (b) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants of $20,000 or less national funds. All unfunded eligible applications for grants of $20,000 or less received by May 2, 2016, will be competed against other applications for grants of $20,000 or less from other States at a final national competition. Obligations of these funds will take place prior to June 30, 2016. (c) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement unrestricted grant State funds. Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant funds that can be awarded to any renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement application, regardless of the amount of the funding request, will be allocated to the States. All unused funds for grant funds will be pooled to the National Office. (d) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement national grant funds. All unfunded eligible applications for grants, which include grants of $20,000 or less, that are received by May 2, 2016, and that are not funded by State allocations can be submitted to the National Office to compete against grant applications from other States at a final national competition. (2) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan funds. The National Office will maintain a reserve for renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan funds. Applications will be reviewed and processed when received. Those applications that meet the Agency's underwriting requirements, are credit worthy, and score a minimum of 50 points will compete in national competitions for guaranteed loan funds on the first business day of each month. All unfunded eligible guaranteed loan-only applications received that do not score at least 50 points will be competed against other guaranteed loan-only applications from other States at a final national competition, if the guaranteed loan reserves have not been completely depleted, on September 1, 2016. If funds remain after the final guaranteed loan-only national competition, the Agency may elect to utilize budget authority to fund additional grant- only applications. (3) Combined grant and guaranteed loan applications. Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement combined grant and guaranteed loan applications will compete with grant-only applications for grant funds allocated to their State referenced in paragraph B(1)(c) of this section. If the application is ranked high enough to receive State allocated grant funds, the State will request funding for the guaranteed loan portion of any combined grant and guaranteed loan applications from the National Office guaranteed loan reserve, and no further competition will be required. (4) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants. Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grant funds will be maintained in a reserve at the National Office. The two highest scoring applications from each State, based on the scoring criteria established under Sec. 4280.192, will compete for funding at a national competition. If funds remain after the energy audit and renewable energy development assistance national competition, the Agency may elect to transfer budget authority to fund additional renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants from the National Office reserve after pooling. (5) Insufficient funds. If a State allocation is not sufficient to fund the total amount of a grant or combination application, the applicant must be notified that they may accept the remaining funds or submit the total request for National Office reserve funds available after pooling. If the applicant agrees to lower its grant request, the applicant must certify that the purposes of the project will be met and provide the remaining total funds needed to complete the project. (a) If two or more grant or combination applications have the same score and remaining funds in the State allocation are insufficient to fully award them, the remaining funds must be divided proportionally between the applications. The Agency will notify the applicants that they may either accept the proportional amount of funds or submit their total request for National Office reserve. If the applicant agrees to lower its grant request, the applicant must certify that the purposes of the project will be met and provide the remaining total funds needed to complete the project. (b) At its discretion, the Agency may instead allow the remaining funds to be carried over to the next fiscal year rather than selecting a lower scoring application(s) or distributing funds on a pro-rata basis. C. Award Considerations. All awards will be on a discretionary basis. In determining the amount of a renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement grant or loan guarantee, the Agency will consider the six criteria specified in 7 CFR 4280.114(e) or 7 CFR 4280.129(g), as applicable. D. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates. All awards should be completed by September 30, 2016. [[Page 60355]] VI. Federal Award Administration Information A. Federal Award Notices. The Agency will award and administer renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants, guaranteed loans in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.122, and 7 CFR 4280.139, as applicable. The Agency will award and administer the energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.195. Notification requirements of 7 CFR 4280.111, apply to this Notice. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. (1) Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination. The Agency will ensure that equal opportunity and nondiscrimination requirements are met in accordance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. and 7 CFR part 15d, Nondiscrimination in Programs and Activities Conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Agency will not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to contract); because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program; or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. (2) Civil Rights Compliance. Recipients of grants must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq., and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794. This may include collection and maintenance of data on the race, sex, and national origin of the recipient's membership/ownership and employees. These data must be available to conduct compliance reviews in accordance with 7 CFR 1901.204. (3) Environmental Analysis. 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G, or successor regulation outlines environmental procedures and requirements for this subpart. Prospective applicants are advised to contact the Agency to determine environmental requirements as soon as practicable after they decide to pursue any form of financial assistance directly or indirectly available through the Agency. (4) Appeals. A person may seek a review of an Agency decision or appeal to the National Appeals Division in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.105. C. Reporting. Reporting requirements will be in accordance with the Grant Agreement, 7 CFR 4280.123(j), 7 CFR 4280.143, and 7 CFR 4280.196, as applicable. Any question on reporting can be directed to the appropriate Rural Development Energy Coordinator as identified in the ``For Further Information Contact'' section of this notice. VII. Other Information A. Paperwork Reduction Act In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements associated with renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants and guaranteed loans, as covered in this Notice, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0050. The information collection requirements associated with energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants have also been approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0059. B. Nondiscrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, religion, 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.) 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 complete the form 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 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 directly by mail 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: September 29, 2015. Samuel H. Rikkers, Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. 2015-25321 Filed 10-5-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
![60349
Notices Federal Register
Vol. 80, No. 193
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER unless the collection of information Electronic Mailing List Subscription is
contains documents other than rules or displays a currently valid OMB control available for completion on-line at the
proposed rules that are applicable to the number and the agency informs Web site of the Water Quality
public. Notices of hearings and investigations, potential persons who are to respond to Information Center. The authority for
committee meetings, agency decisions and the collection of information that such the National Agricultural Library to
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
persons are not required to respond to collect the information can be found at
statements of organization and functions are the collection of information unless it CFR, Title 7, Volume 1, Part 2 Subpart
examples of documents appearing in this displays a currently valid OMB control K, Section 2.65 (92).
section. number. Need and Use of the Information: The
information requested on the form
Agricultural Research Service
includes: Name, email address, job title,
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Title: Web Forms for Research Data, work affiliation, and topics of interest.
Models, Materials, and Publications as Data collected using the form will help
Agricultural Research Service well as Study and Event Registration. WQIC determine a person’s eligibility to
OMB Control Number: 0518–0032. join the announcement list. In order to
Submission for OMB Review; Summary of Collection: OMB Circular make sure people have a significant
Comment Request 130 Management of Federal Information interest in the topic area, it is necessary
Resources, establishes that ‘‘agencies to collect the information. WQIC will
September 30, 2015.
will use electronic media and formats use the collected information to approve
The Department of Agriculture has
. . . in order to make government subscription to the Enviro-News on-line
submitted the following information
information more easily accessible and announcement list.
collection requirement(s) to OMB for
useful to the public’’ In order to provide Description of Respondents:
review and clearance under the
information and services related to its Individuals or households; Business or
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
program responsibilities defined at 7 other for-profit; Not-for-profit
Public Law 104–13. Comments
CFR 2.65, the Agricultural Research institutions; State, Local, or Tribal
regarding (a) whether the collection of
Service (ARS) needs to obtain certain Government.
information is necessary for the proper
basic information from the public.
performance of the functions of the Number of Respondents: 30.
Online forms allow the public to request
agency, including whether the Frequency of Responses: Reporting:
from ARS research data, models,
information will have practical utility; On occasion.
materials, and publications as well as
(b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate Total Burden Hours: 1.
registration for scientific studies and
of burden including the validity of the
events. Ruth Brown,
methodology and assumptions used; (c) Need and Use of the Information:
ways to enhance the quality, utility and Departmental Information Collection
ARS will use the information to respond Clearance Officer.
clarity of the information to be to requests for specific services. The
collected; (d) ways to minimize the [FR Doc. 2015–25305 Filed 10–5–15; 8:45 am]
information will be collected
burden of the collection of information electronically. If this collection is not
BILLING CODE 3410–03–P
on those who are to respond, including conducted, ARS will be hindered from
through the use of appropriate reducing the burden on its customers by
automated, electronic, mechanical, or DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
providing them the most timely and
other technological collection efficient way to request services. Rural Business-Cooperative Service
techniques or other forms of information Description of Respondents:
technology. Individuals or households. Notice of Solicitation of Applications
Comments regarding this information Number of Respondents: 5,000. for the Rural Energy for America
collection received by November 5, Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Program for Fiscal Year 2016
2015 will be considered. Written On occasion.
comments should be addressed to: Desk Total Burden Hours: 250. AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Service, USDA.
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Agricultural Research Service ACTION: Notice.
Office of Management and Budget Title: Electronic Mailing List
(OMB), New Executive Office Building, Subscription Form—Water Quality SUMMARY: The Rural Business-
725—17th Street NW., Washington, DC Information Center. Cooperative Service (the Agency)
20502. Commenters are encouraged to OMB Control Number: 0518–0045. announces the acceptance of
submit their comments to OMB via Summary of Collection: The National applications under the Rural Energy for
email to: OIRA_Submission@ Agricultural Library’s Water Quality America Program (REAP) which is
OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 Information Center (WQIC) currently designed to help agricultural producers
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
and to Departmental Clearance Office, maintains an on-line announcement list and rural small businesses reduce
USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, (Enviro-News). The current voluntary energy costs and consumption and help
Washington, DC 20250–7602. Copies of ‘‘Electronic Mailing List Subscription meet the Nation’s critical energy needs.
the submission(s) may be obtained by Form’’ gives individuals interested in REAP have two types of funding
calling (202) 720–8958. the subject area of water quality and assistance: (1) Renewable Energy
An agency may not conduct or agriculture an opportunity to receive Systems and Energy Efficiency
sponsor a collection of information and post messages to this list. The Improvements Assistance, and (2)
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 193 / Tuesday, October 6, 2015 / Notices 60355
VI. Federal Award Administration CFR 4280.123(j), 7 CFR 4280.143, and 7 (800) 877–8339 or (800) 845–6136 (in
Information CFR 4280.196, as applicable. Any Spanish).
A. Federal Award Notices. The question on reporting can be directed to Persons with disabilities, who wish to
Agency will award and administer the appropriate Rural Development file a program complaint, please see
renewable energy system and energy Energy Coordinator as identified in the information above on how to contact us
efficiency improvement grants, ‘‘For Further Information Contact’’ directly by mail or by email. If you
guaranteed loans in accordance with 7 section of this notice. require alternative means of
CFR 4280.122, and 7 CFR 4280.139, as communication for program information
VII. Other Information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
applicable. The Agency will award and
administer the energy audit and A. Paperwork Reduction Act please contact USDA’s TARGET Center
renewable energy development at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).
In accordance with the Paperwork
assistance grants in accordance with 7 Reduction Act of 1995, the information Dated: September 29, 2015.
CFR 4280.195. Notification collection requirements associated with Samuel H. Rikkers,
requirements of 7 CFR 4280.111, apply renewable energy system and energy Acting Administrator, Rural Business-
to this Notice. efficiency improvement grants and Cooperative Service.
B. Administrative and National Policy guaranteed loans, as covered in this [FR Doc. 2015–25321 Filed 10–5–15; 8:45 am]
Requirements. Notice, have been approved by the BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
(1) Equal Opportunity and Office of Management and Budget
Nondiscrimination. The Agency will (OMB) under OMB Control Number
ensure that equal opportunity and 0570–0050. The information collection COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
nondiscrimination requirements are met requirements associated with energy
in accordance with the Equal Credit audit and renewable energy Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting
Opportunity Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. development assistance grants have also of the Montana Advisory Committee
and 7 CFR part 15d, Nondiscrimination been approved by OMB under OMB
in Programs and Activities Conducted AGENCY: Commission on Civil Rights.
Control Number 0570–0059.
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ACTION: Announcement of meeting.
The Agency will not discriminate B. Nondiscrimination Statement
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given,
against applicants on the basis of race, The U.S. Department of Agriculture pursuant to the provisions of the rules
color, religion, national origin, sex, (USDA) prohibits discrimination against and regulations of the U.S. Commission
marital status, or age (provided that the its customers, employees, and on Civil Rights (Commission), and the
applicant has the capacity to contract); applicants for employment on the basis Federal Advisory Committee Act
because all or part of the applicant’s of race, color, national origin, age, (FACA), that a planning meeting of the
income derives from any public disability, sex, gender identity, religion, Montana Advisory Committee to the
assistance program; or because the reprisal and where applicable, political Commission will convene at 1:00 p.m.
applicant has in good faith exercised beliefs, marital status, familial or (MDT) on Thursday, October 22, 2015,
any right under the Consumer Credit parental status, religion, sexual via teleconference. The purpose of the
Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. orientation, or all or part of an
(2) Civil Rights Compliance. planning meeting is for the Advisory
individual’s income is derived from any Committee to continue their discussion
Recipients of grants must comply with
public assistance program, or protected and plans to conduct a community
the Americans with Disabilities Act of
genetic information in employment or forum on Border Town Discrimination
1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., Title VI
in any program or activity conducted or Against Native Americans.
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C.
funded by the Department. (Not all Members of the public may listen to
2000d et seq., and Section 504 of the
prohibited bases will apply to all the discussion by dialing the following
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.
794. This may include collection and programs and/or employment Conference Call Toll-Free Number: 1–
maintenance of data on the race, sex, activities.) 888–397–5352; Conference ID: 261115.
and national origin of the recipient’s If you wish to file a Civil Rights Please be advised that before being
membership/ownership and employees. program complaint of discrimination, placed into the conference call, the
These data must be available to conduct complete the USDA Program operator will ask callers to provide their
compliance reviews in accordance with Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), names, their organizational affiliations
7 CFR 1901.204. found online at http:// (if any), and an email address (if
(3) Environmental Analysis. 7 CFR www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ available) prior to placing callers into
part 1940, subpart G, or successor cust.html, or complete the form at any the conference room. Callers can expect
regulation outlines environmental USDA office, or call (866) 632–9992 to to incur charges for calls they initiate
procedures and requirements for this request the form. You may also write a over wireless lines, and the Commission
subpart. Prospective applicants are letter containing all of the information will not refund any incurred charges.
advised to contact the Agency to requested in the form. Send your Callers will incur no charge for calls
determine environmental requirements completed complaint form or letter to us they initiate over land-line connections
as soon as practicable after they decide by mail at U.S. Department of to the toll-free phone number.
to pursue any form of financial Agriculture, Director, Office of Persons with hearing impairments
assistance directly or indirectly Adjudication, 1400 Independence may also follow the discussion by first
available through the Agency. Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– calling the Federal Relay Service (FRS)
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
(4) Appeals. A person may seek a 9410, by fax (202) 690–7442 or email at at 1–800–977–8339 and provide the FRS
review of an Agency decision or appeal program.intake@usda.gov. operator with the Conference Call Toll-
to the National Appeals Division in Individuals who are deaf, hard of Free Number: 1–888–397–5352,
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.105. hearing or have speech disabilities and Conference ID: 261115. Members of the
C. Reporting. wish to file either an EEO or program public are invited to submit written
Reporting requirements will be in complaint, please contact USDA comments; the comments must be
accordance with the Grant Agreement, 7 through the Federal Relay Service at received in the regional office by
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 08:51:36
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 08:51:36
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | Grant applications, guaranteed loan-only applications, and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications for financial assistance under this subpart may be submitted at any time on an ongoing basis. Section IV.E. of this Notice establishes the deadline dates for the applications to be received in order to be considered for funding provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79), commonly referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill Act, for fiscal year 2016. | |
| Contact | The applicable USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator for your respective State, as identified via the following link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 60349 |
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