83 FR 11494 - Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 51 (March 15, 2018)
Rural Utilities Service
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 51 (March 15, 2018)
| Page Range | 11494-11499 | |
| FR Document | 2018-05200 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 51 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 11494-11499] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-05200] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), herein referred to as RUS or the Agency, announces its Community Connect Grant Program application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. In addition, this NOSA announces the minimum and maximum Community Connect grant amounts, the funding priority, the application submission dates, the agency contact information, and the procedures for submission of paper and electronic applications. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act to allow potential applicants time to submit proposals and give the Agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year. The Agency will publish the amount of funding received in any continuing resolution or the final appropriations act on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant's risk. DATES: Submit completed paper or electronic grant applications by the following deadlines:Paper submissions: Paper submissions must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than May 14, 2018 to be eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. Electronic submissions: Electronic submissions must be received no later than May 14, 2018 to be eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. ADDRESSES: Copies of the FY 2018 Application Guide and materials for the Community Connect Grant Program may be obtained through: (1) The Community Connect website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants; and (2) The RUS Office of Loan Origination and Approval at 202-720- 0800. Completed applications may be submitted the following ways: (1) Paper: Mail paper applications to the Rural Utilities Service, Telecommunications Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2844, STOP 1597, Washington, DC 20250-1597. Mark address with ``Attention: Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities Service.'' (2) Electronic: Submit electronic applications through Grants.gov. Prospective applicants can access information on submitting electronic applications at any time, regardless of registration status, through the Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov. However, in order to use the electronic submission option, applicants must register with Grants.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Telephone: (202) 720-0800. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Funding Opportunity Title: Community Connect Grant Program. Announcement Type: Initial announcement. Funding Opportunity Number: RDRUS-CC-2018. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.863. Dates: Applicants must submit the paper or electronic grant applications by the deadlines found in this section and Section D(5). A. Program Description The purpose of the Community Connect Grant Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide service at the Broadband Grant Speed to all premises in currently unserved, lower-income, and extremely rural areas. RUS will give priority to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services, based on the criteria contained herein. In addition to providing service to all premises, the program's ``community-oriented connectivity'' concept will stimulate practical, everyday uses and applications of broadband by cultivating the deployment of new broadband services that improve economic development and provide enhanced educational and health care opportunities in rural areas. Such an [[Page 11495]] approach will also give rural communities the opportunity to benefit from the advanced technologies that are necessary to achieve these goals. The regulation for the Community Connect Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1739. As in years past, the FY 2018 Community Connect Grant Application Guide has been updated based on program experience. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the FY 2018 Application Guide and sample materials. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant's own risk. B. Federal Award Information In accordance with 7 CFR 1739.2, the Administrator has established a minimum grant request amount of $100,000 and a maximum grant request amount of $3,000,000 per application for FY 2018. The standard grant agreement, which specifies the term of each award, is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CCGrantAgreement.pdf. The Agency will make awards, and successful applicants will be required to execute documents appropriate to the project before the Agency will advance funding. While prior Community Connect grants cannot be renewed, existing Community Connect awardees may submit applications for new projects. The Agency will evaluate project proposals from existing awardees as new applications. All grant applications must be submitted during the application window. C. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants (See 7 CFR 1739.10) a. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance: i. An incorporated organization. ii. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b. iii. A state or local unit of government. iv. Other legal entity, including a cooperative, private corporation, or limited liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis. b. Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to enter into contracts, to comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations, and to own and operate the broadband facilities as proposed in their application. c. Applicants must have an active registration with current information in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov and have a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Further information regarding SAM registration and DUNS number acquisition can be found in Sections D(3) and D(4) of this NOSA. 2. Ineligible Applicants a. The following entities are not eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance: i. Individuals and partnerships ii. Corporations that have been convicted of a Federal felony within the past 24 months. Any corporation that has been assessed to have any unpaid federal tax liability, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed and is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not eligible for financial assistance. b. In accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Sections 743-4, no funds may be available ``for a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with an entity that requires employees or contractors of such entity seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.'' 3. Cost Sharing or Matching The Community Connect Grant Program requires matching contributions for grants. See 7 CFR 1739.14 and the FY 2018 Application Guide for information on required matching contributions. a. Grant applicants must demonstrate matching contributions in cash of at least fifteen percent (15%) of the requested grant amount. Matching contributions must be used solely for the Project and shall not include any financial assistance from federal sources unless there is a federal statutory exception specifically authorizing the federal financial assistance to be considered as such as discussed in 7 CFR 1739.14. b. Applications that do not provide sufficient documentation of the required fifteen percent match will be declared ineligible. 4. Funding Restrictions a. Eligible grant purposes. Grant funds may be used to finance: i. The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, including spectrum, land or buildings to deploy service at the Broadband Grant Speed to all participating Critical Community Facilities and all required facilities needed to offer such service to all residential and business customers located within the Proposed Funded Service Area; ii. The improvement, expansion, construction, or acquisition of a Community Center that furnishes free internet access at the Broadband Grant Speed and provides Computer Access Points. Grant funds provided for such costs shall not exceed the lesser of ten percent (10%) of the grant amount requested or $150,000; and iii. The cost of bandwidth to provide service free of charge at the Broadband Grant Speed to Critical Community Facilities for the first two (2) years of operation. b. Ineligible grant purposes. Grant funds may not be used to finance: i. The duplication of any existing Broadband Service provided by another entity. ii. Operating expenses other than the cost of providing bandwidth at the Broadband Grant Speed to the Critical Community Facilities for two (2) years. iii. Any other operating expenses not specifically permitted in 7 CFR 1739.12. c. Other. For more information, see 7 CFR 1739.3 for definitions, 7 CFR 1739.12 for eligible grant purposes, and 7 CFR 1739.13 for ineligible grant purposes. 5. Other Eligible projects must propose to fulfill the following requirements (see 7 CFR 1739.11 for more information): a. Minimum Broadband Service. RUS uses this measurement to determine whether a proposed funded service area is served or unserved. Until otherwise revised in the Federal Register, the minimum rate-of- data transmission that qualifies as Minimum Broadband Service is ten (10) megabits per second downstream and one (1) megabit per second upstream for both fixed and mobile broadband service. RUS will determine that Broadband Service does not exist for areas with no broadband access or whose access is less than 10 Mbps downstream plus 1 Mbps upstream. b. Minimum Broadband Grant Speed. The minimum bandwidth that an applicant must propose to deliver to [[Page 11496]] every customer in the proposed funded service area. Until otherwise revised in the Federal Register, the minimum rate-of-data transmission that qualifies as Minimum Broadband Grant Speed is twenty-five (25) megabits downstream and three (3) megabits upstream for both fixed and mobile service to the customer. c. Rural Area. A Rural Area refers to any area, as confirmed by the most recent decennial Census of the United States, which is not located within: i. A city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants; or ii. An urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants. For purposes of the definition of Rural Area, an urbanized area means a densely populated territory as defined in the most recent decennial Census. d. Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA). Applicants must define a contiguous geographic area within an eligible Rural Area, in which Broadband Service does not currently exist, and where the applicant proposes to offer service at the Broadband Grant Speed to all residential and business customers. A PFSA must not overlap with Service Areas of current RUS borrowers and grantees. e. Critical Community Facilities. Applicants must propose to offer service, free of charge to users, at the Broadband Grant Speed to all Critical Community Facilities located within the Proposed Funded Service Area for at least two (2) years. f. Community Center. Applicants must propose to provide a Community Center, within the PFSA, with at least two (2) Computer Access Points and wireless access at the Broadband Grant Speed free of charge to users for at least two (2) years. D. Application and Submission Information The FY 2018 Application Guide provides specific detailed instructions for each item in a complete application. The Agency emphasizes the importance of including every required item and strongly encourages applicants to follow the instructions carefully, using the examples and illustrations in the FY 2018 Application Guide. Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to April 30, 2018. Agency contact information can be found in Section G of this NOSA. The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in the submitted application. See the FY 2018 Application Guide for a full discussion of each required item. For a comprehensive list of all information required in a grant application, refer to 7 CFR 1739.15. 1. Address To Request Application Package The FY 2018 Application Guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the Community Connect Grant Program Regulation are available in the following locations: a. Community Connect Grant Program web page at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants. b. The Office of Loan Origination and Approval in RUS; call 202- 720-0800. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission a. Carefully review the Community Connect Application Guide and the 7 CFR part 1739, which detail all necessary forms and worksheets. A table summarizing the necessary components of a complete application can be found in Section D(2)(d). b. Submission of Application Items. Given the high volume of program interest, applicants should submit the required application items in the order indicated in the FY 2018 Application Guide. Applications that are not assembled and tabbed in the specified order impede timely determination of eligibility. For applications with inconsistencies among submitted copies, the Agency will base its evaluation on the original signed application received. c. Additional Information. The Agency may ask for additional or clarifying information for applications submitted by the deadline which appear to meet the eligibility requirements, but require further review. d. Table of Required Information in a Complete Grant Application. This table summarizes and categorizes the items required in a grant application. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Application item Regulation Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Application for Federal Assistance ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Form. Application Guide. SF-424 Standard Form: A-2 SAM Registration ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Information. Application Guide. A-3 State Director ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Notification. Application Guide. A-4 Equal Opportunity Survey. ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Application Guide. B. Executive Summary of the Project.. ........................................... Narrative. C. Scoring Criteria Documentation.... ........................................... Narrative & Documentation. D. System Design..................... ........................................... Narrative & Documentation. Network Diagram.................. ........................................... Documentation. Environmental Questionnaire...... 7 CFR part 1970............................ Narrative & Documentation. E. Service Area Map.................. ........................................... Provided in RUS web-based Mapping Tool. Service Area Demographics........ ........................................... Documentation. F. Scope of Work..................... ........................................... Narrative & Documentation. Construction Build-out and ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Project Milestones. Application Guide. Project Budget................... ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Application Guide. G. Community-oriented Connectivity ........................................... Narrative. Plan. H. Financial Information and ........................................... Narrative & Documentation. Sustainability. I. Statement of Experience........... ........................................... Narrative. J. Evidence of Legal Authority and ........................................... Documentation. Existence. K. Additional Funding................ ........................................... Narrative & Documentation. L. Compliance with Other Statutes and ........................................... ............................ Regulations:. Equal Opportunity and 7 CFR part 15 (Subpart A).................. Form provided in FY 2018 Nondiscrimination. Application Guide. Uniform Relocation Assistance and 49 CFR part 24 and 7 CFR part 21........... Form provided in FY 2018 Real Property Acquisition Application Guide. Policies Act of 1970. Debarment, Suspension, and Other 7 CFR part 3017............................ Form provided in FY 2018 Responsibility Matters. Application Guide. [[Page 11497]] Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, 7 CFR part 3018............................ Form provided in FY 2018 Loans, and Cooperative Application Guide. Agreements. Drug-Free Workplace.............. 7 CFR part 3017............................ Form provided in FY 2018 Application Guide. Architectural Barriers........... ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Application Guide. Flood Hazard Area Precautions.... 7 CFR 1970................................. Form provided in FY 2018 Application Guide. Non-Duplication of Services...... ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Application Guide. Federal Collection Policies for ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Commercial Debt. Application Guide. Assurance Regarding Felony ........................................... Form provided in FY 2018 Conviction or Tax Delinquent Application Guide Status for Corporate Applicants. (corporate applicants- only). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- e. Number of copies of submitted applications. i. Applications submitted on paper. Submit the original application and two (2) copies to RUS. ii. Applications submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Submit the electronic application once. Carefully read the FY 2018 Application Guide for guidance on submitting an electronic application. Applicants should identify and number each page in the same manner as the paper application. 3. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number The grant applicant must supply a DUNS number as part of the application. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field for the DUNS number. The applicant can obtain the DUNS number free of charge by calling Dun and Bradstreet. Go to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform for more information on DUNS number acquisition or confirmation. 4. System for Award Management (SAM) Prior to submitting a paper or an electronic application, the applicant must register in SAM at https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1. SAM registration must be active with current data at all times, from the application review throughout the active Federal grant funding period. To maintain active SAM registration, the applicant must review and update the information in the SAM database annually from the date of initial registration or from the date of the last update. The applicant must ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, and complete. 5. Submission Dates and Times a. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than May 14, 2018 to be eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. Late applications, applications which do not include proof of mailing or shipping, and incomplete applications are not eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. In the event of an incomplete application, the Agency will notify the applicant in writing, return the application, and terminate all further action. i. Address paper applications to the Telecommunications Program, RUS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2844, STOP 1597, Washington, DC 20250-1597. Applications should be marked, ``Attention: Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval.'' ii. Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping by the deadline with one of the following: A. A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark. B. A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the USPS. C. A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. iii. Due to screening procedures at the USDA, packages arriving via regular mail through the USPS are irradiated, which can damage the contents and delay delivery to the office. RUS encourages applicants to consider the impact of this procedure when selecting their application delivery method. b. Electronic grant applications submitted through Grants.gov must be received no later than May 14, 2018 to be eligible for FY 2018 funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. i. Applications will not be accepted via fax or electronic mail. ii. Electronic applications for grants must be submitted through the federal government's Grants.gov initiative at https://www.grants.gov/. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required passwords, credentialing, and software. iii. Grants.gov requires some credentialing and online authentication procedures. These procedures may take several business days to complete. Therefore, the applicant should complete the registration, credentialing, and authorization procedures at Grants.gov before submitting an application. iv. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS). The grant applicant must supply a DUNS number as part of the application. See Section D(3) of this NOSA for more information. v. System for Award Management (SAM). Grants.gov requires that the applicant's organization is registered in SAM. Be sure to obtain the organization's SAM listing well in advance of the application deadline. See Section D(4) of this NOSA for more information. vi. RUS encourages applicants who wish to apply through Grants.gov to submit their applications in advance of the deadline. vii. If system errors or technical difficulties occur, use the customer support resources available at the Grants.gov website. E. Application Review Information 1. Criteria Grant applications are evaluated for financial and technical feasibility, in accordance with 7 CFR 1739.16. An application that contains flaws that would prevent the successful implementation, operation, or sustainability of the project will not be approved for an award. In addition, grant applications are scored competitively and are subject to the criteria listed below. The maximum number of points possible is 100. See 7 CFR 1739.17 and the FY 2018 Application Guide for more information on the scoring criteria. a. Needs Category. The Agency analyzes the challenges related to the following criteria and the ways in which the project proposes to address these issues (up to 50 points): i. Economic characteristics. ii. Educational challenges. iii. Health care needs. iv. Public safety issues. b. Stakeholder Involvement Category. The Agency analyzes the extent of the project planning, development, and support from local residents, institutions, and Critical Community Facilities (up to 40 points). c. Experience Category. The Agency analyzes the management team's level of [[Page 11498]] experience and past success of broadband systems operation (up to 10 points). d. In making a final selection among and between applications with comparable rankings and geographic distribution, the Administrator may take into consideration the characteristics of the Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA), as identified in 7 CFR 1739.17(d). 2. Review and Selection Process a. Grant applications are ranked according to their final scores. RUS selects applications based on those rankings, subject to the availability of funds and consistent with 7 CFR 1739.17. It should be noted that an application receiving fewer points can be selected over an application receiving more points in the event that there are insufficient funds available to cover the costs of the higher scoring application, as stated in 7 CFR 1739.16(f). b. Applications will be ranked and grants awarded in order until all grant funds are expended. c. The Agency reserves the right to offer the applicant a lower amount than the amount proposed in the application, as stated in 7 CFR 1739.16(g). F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Federal Award Notices a. Successful applications. RUS notifies applicants whose projects are selected for awards by mailing or emailing a copy of the award letter. The receipt of an award letter does not authorize the applicant to commence performance under the award. b. After sending the award letter, the Agency will send an agreement that contains all the terms and conditions, as referenced in 7 CFR 1739.18 and Section B of this NOSA. A copy of the standard agreement is posted on the RUS website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants. RUS recognizes that each funded project is unique, and therefore may attach additional conditions to individual award documents. An applicant must execute and return the grant agreement with any additional items required by the agreement within the number of days specified in the selection notice letter. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements The items listed in this NOSA, the Community Connect Grant Program regulation, the FY 2018 Application Guide, and accompanying materials implement the appropriate administrative and national policy requirements, which include, but are not limited to: a. Executing a Community Connect Grant Agreement. b. Using Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' to request reimbursements (along with the submission of receipts for expenditures, timesheets, and any other documentation to support the request for reimbursement). c. Providing annual project performance activity reports until the expiration of the award. d. Ensuring that records are maintained to document all activities and expenditures utilizing Community Connect grant funds and matching funds (receipts for expenditures are to be included in this documentation). e. Providing a final project performance report. f. Complying with policies, guidance, and requirements as described in the following applicable Code of Federal Regulations, and any successor regulations: i. 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). ii. 2 CFR part 417 (Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension). iii. 2 CFR part 180 (Government-wide Debarment and Suspension). g. Signing Form AD-3031 (``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants'') (for corporate applicants only). h. Complying with Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.'' For information on limited English proficiency and agency-specific guidance, go to https://www.LEP.gov. i. Accountability and Compliance With Civil Rights Laws 7 CFR 1901-E 1901.201 Purpose. This subpart contains policies and procedures for implementing the regulations of the Department of Agriculture issued pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Executive Order 13166, Executive Order 11246, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, as they relate to the Rural Development (Rural Development). Nothing herein shall be interpreted to prohibit preference to American Indians on Indian Reservations. The policies contained in subpart E of part 1901 apply to recipients. As recipients of Federal financial assistance, borrowers are required to comply with the applicable Federal, State and local laws. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Recipients are required to adhere to specific outreach activities. These outreach activities include, contacting community organizations and leaders that include minority leaders, advertising in local newspapers and other media throughout the entire service area, and including the nondiscrimination slogan, ``This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law,'' in methods that may include, but not be limited to, advertisements, public broadcasts, and printed materials, such as, brochures and pamphlets. All recipients must submit and have on file a valid Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement,'' and RUS Form 266 or RD Form 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.'' By signing Form 400-4 or 266, Assurance Agreement recipients affirm that they will operate the program free from discrimination. The recipient will maintain the race and ethnic data on the board members and beneficiaries of the program. The Recipient will provide alternative forms of communication to persons with limited English proficiency. The Agency will conduct Civil Rights Compliance Reviews on recipients to identify the collection of racial and ethnic data on Program beneficiaries. In addition, the Compliance review will ensure that equal access to the Program benefits and activities are provided for persons with disabilities and language barriers. 3. Reporting a. Performance reporting. All recipients of Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance must provide annual performance activity reports to RUS until the project is complete and the funds are expended. A final performance report is also required. This report may serve as the last annual report. The final report must include an evaluation of the success of the project in meeting the Community Connect Grant Program objectives. See 7 CFR 1739.19 and 2 CFR 200.328 for additional information on these reporting requirements. b. Financial reporting. All recipients of Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance must provide an annual audit, beginning with the first year in which a portion of the financial [[Page 11499]] assistance is expended. Audits are governed by USDA audit regulations. See 7 CFR 1739.20 and 2 CFR part 200 (Subpart F) for a description of the financial reporting requirements. c. Recipient and Sub-recipient Reporting. The applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements for first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 in the event the applicant receives funding unless such applicant is exempt from such reporting requirements pursuant to 2 CFR 170.110(b). The reporting requirements under the Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR 170 are as follows: i. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) must be reported by the Recipient to https://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month following the month the obligation was made. Please note that currently underway is a consolidation of eight federal procurement systems, including the Federal Sub-award Reporting System (FSRS), into one system, the System for Award Management (SAM). As a result, the FSRS will soon be consolidated into and accessed through https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. ii. The Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (the five most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if the Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ by the end of the month following the month in which the award was made. iii. The Total Compensation of the Sub-recipient's Executives (the five most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Sub- recipient (if the Sub-recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to the Recipient by the end of the month following the month in which the sub-award was made. d. Record Keeping and Accounting. The contract will contain provisions related to record keeping and accounting requirements. G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts 1. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants. This site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for the Community Connect Grant Program; 2. Telephone: 202-720-0800; 3. Email: community.connect@wdc.usda.gov; and 4. Main Point of Contact: Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. H. Other Information 1. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, familial status, disability, limited English proficiency, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/ad-3027-usda-program-discrimination-complaint-form and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: a. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; b. Facsimile: (202) 690-7442; or c. Email: at program.intake@usda.gov. d. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Dated: February 14, 2018. Christopher A. McLean, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2018-05200 Filed 3-14-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
![11494 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 51 / Thursday, March 15, 2018 / Notices
(TDD) may call the Federal Information DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Completed applications may be
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 submitted the following ways:
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Rural Utilities Service (1) Paper: Mail paper applications to
Eastern Standard Time, Monday the Rural Utilities Service,
through Friday. Announcement of Grant Application Telecommunications Program, 1400
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Deadlines and Funding Levels Independence Ave. SW, Room 2844,
purpose of the meeting is to: AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. STOP 1597, Washington, DC 20250–
1. Report out from Committee work ACTION:Notice of Solicitation of 1597. Mark address with ‘‘Attention:
groups; Applications (NOSA). Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office
2. Provide updates on the 2018 grant of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural
proposal review and 2019 Call for SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service Utilities Service.’’
Proposals; (RUS), an agency of the United States (2) Electronic: Submit electronic
3. Provide Forest Service updates on Department of Agriculture (USDA), applications through Grants.gov.
budget, projects, partnerships and herein referred to as RUS or the Agency, Prospective applicants can access
nominations; announces its Community Connect information on submitting electronic
4. Listen to constituents with urban Grant Program application window for applications at any time, regardless of
forestry concerns; Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. In addition, this registration status, through the
5. Perform administrative tasks; NOSA announces the minimum and Grants.gov website at http://
6. Annual accomplishments/ maximum Community Connect grant www.grants.gov. However, in order to
recommendations report to the amounts, the funding priority, the use the electronic submission option,
Secretary—Status; application submission dates, the applicants must register with
7. Next Meeting, Action items for the agency contact information, and the Grants.gov.
week of July 16, 2018. procedures for submission of paper and
The teleconference is open to the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
electronic applications. Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant
public. However, the public is strongly This notice is being issued prior to
encouraged to RSVP prior to the Administrator, Office of Loan
passage of a final appropriations act to Origination and Approval, Rural
teleconference to ensure all related allow potential applicants time to
documents are shared with public Utilities Service, U.S. Department of
submit proposals and give the Agency Agriculture, Telephone: (202) 720–0800.
meeting participants. The agenda will time to process applications within the
include time for people to make oral SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
current fiscal year. The Agency will
statements of three minutes or less. publish the amount of funding received Overview
Individuals wishing to make an oral in any continuing resolution or the final
statement should submit a request in Federal Agency: Rural Utilities
appropriations act on its website at Service (RUS).
writing by March 13, 2018, to be https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/
scheduled on the agenda. Council Funding Opportunity Title:
notices-solicitation-applications-nosas. Community Connect Grant Program.
discussion is limited to Forest Service Expenses incurred in developing
staff and Council members, however Announcement Type: Initial
applications will be at the applicant’s announcement.
anyone who would like to bring urban risk.
and community forestry matters to the Funding Opportunity Number:
attention of the Council may file written DATES: Submit completed paper or RDRUS–CC–2018.
statements with the Council’s staff electronic grant applications by the Catalog of Federal Domestic
before or after the meeting. Written following deadlines: Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.863.
comments and time requests for oral • Paper submissions: Paper Dates: Applicants must submit the
comments must be sent to Nancy submissions must be postmarked and paper or electronic grant applications by
Stemple, Executive Staff, National mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no the deadlines found in this section and
Urban and Community Forestry later than May 14, 2018 to be eligible for Section D(5).
Advisory Council, Sidney Yates FY 2018 grant funding. Late or
incomplete applications will not be A. Program Description
Building, Room 3SC–01C, 201 14th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20024, or by eligible for FY 2018 grant funding. The purpose of the Community
email at nstremple@fs.fed.us. • Electronic submissions: Electronic Connect Grant Program is to provide
Meeting Accommodations: If you are submissions must be received no later financial assistance in the form of grants
a person requiring reasonable than May 14, 2018 to be eligible for FY to eligible applicants that will provide
accommodation, please make requests 2018 grant funding. Late or incomplete service at the Broadband Grant Speed to
in advance for sign language applications will not be eligible for FY all premises in currently unserved,
interpreting, assistive listening devices 2018 grant funding. lower-income, and extremely rural
or other reasonable accommodation for • If the submission deadline falls on areas. RUS will give priority to rural
access to the facility or proceedings by Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, areas that demonstrate the greatest need
contacting the person listed in the the application is due the next business for broadband services, based on the
section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION day. criteria contained herein.
CONTACT. All reasonable ADDRESSES: Copies of the FY 2018 In addition to providing service to all
accommodation requests are managed Application Guide and materials for the premises, the program’s ‘‘community-
oriented connectivity’’ concept will
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
on a case by case basis. Community Connect Grant Program may
be obtained through: stimulate practical, everyday uses and
Dated: February 14, 2018. (1) The Community Connect website applications of broadband by cultivating
Patti Hirami, at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs- the deployment of new broadband
Associate Deputy Chief, State & Private services/community-connect-grants; and services that improve economic
Forestry. (2) The RUS Office of Loan development and provide enhanced
[FR Doc. 2018–05269 Filed 3–14–18; 8:45 am] Origination and Approval at 202–720– educational and health care
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P 0800. opportunities in rural areas. Such an
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 51 / Thursday, March 15, 2018 / Notices 11499
assistance is expended. Audits are 4. Main Point of Contact: Shawn ARCTIC RESEARCH COMMISSION
governed by USDA audit regulations. Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator,
See 7 CFR 1739.20 and 2 CFR part 200 Office of Loan Origination and Notice of 109th Commission Meeting
(Subpart F) for a description of the Approval, Rural Utilities Service, U.S.
A notice by the U.S. Arctic Research
financial reporting requirements. Department of Agriculture.
Commission on 03/09/2018.
c. Recipient and Sub-recipient
H. Other Information Notice is hereby given that the U.S.
Reporting. The applicant must have the
Arctic Research Commission will hold
necessary processes and systems in 1. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
its 109th meeting in Seattle, WA, on
place to comply with the reporting In accordance with Federal civil April 21, 2018. The business sessions,
requirements for first-tier sub-awards rights law and USDA civil rights open to the public, will convene at 8:30
and executive compensation under the regulations and policies, the USDA, its a.m. at The Edgewater Hotel, 2411
Federal Funding Accountability and Agencies, offices, and employees, and Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121.
Transparency Act of 2006 in the event institutions participating in or The Agenda items include:
the applicant receives funding unless administering USDA programs are
such applicant is exempt from such (1) Call to order and approval of the
prohibited from discriminating based on agenda
reporting requirements pursuant to 2 race, color, religion, sex, age, national
CFR 170.110(b). The reporting (2) Approval of the minutes from the
origin, marital status, sex, gender 108th meeting
requirements under the Transparency identity (including gender expression),
Act pursuant to 2 CFR 170 are as (3) Commissioners and staff reports
sexual orientation, familial status, (4) Discussion and presentations
follows: disability, limited English proficiency,
i. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or concerning Arctic research
or because all or a part of an activities
more (unless they are exempt under 2 individual’s income is derived from a
CFR part 170) must be reported by the The meeting will focus on reports and
public assistance program, political
Recipient to https://www.fsrs.gov no updates relating to programs and
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
later than the end of the month research projects affecting Alaska and
civil rights activity, in any program or
following the month the obligation was the greater Arctic.
activity conducted or funded by USDA
made. Please note that currently The Arctic Research and Policy Act of
(not all bases apply to all programs).
underway is a consolidation of eight 1984 (Title I Pub. L. 98–373) and the
Remedies and complaint filing
federal procurement systems, including Presidential Executive Order on Arctic
deadlines vary by program or incident.
the Federal Sub-award Reporting Research (Executive Order 12501) dated
Persons with disabilities who require
System (FSRS), into one system, the January 28, 1985, established the United
alternative means of communication for
System for Award Management (SAM). States Arctic Research Commission.
program information (e.g., Braille, large
As a result, the FSRS will soon be If you plan to attend this meeting,
print, audiotape, American Sign
consolidated into and accessed through please notify us via the contact
Language, etc.) should contact the
https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/ information below. Any person
responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET
SAM/. planning to attend who requires special
Center at 202–720–2600 (voice and
ii. The Total Compensation of the accessibility features and/or auxiliary
TDD) or contact USDA through the
Recipient’s Executives (the five most aids, such as sign language interpreters,
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
highly compensated executives) must be must inform the Commission of those
Additionally, program information may
reported by the Recipient (if the needs in advance of the meeting.
be made available in languages other
Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR Contact person for further
than English. To file a program
part 170) to https://www.sam.gov/ information: Kathy Farrow,
discrimination complaint, complete the
portal/public/SAM/ by the end of the Communications Specialist, U.S. Arctic
USDA Program Discrimination
month following the month in which Research Commission, 703–525–0111 or
Complaint Form, AD–3027, found
the award was made. TDD 703–306–0090.
online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/ad-
iii. The Total Compensation of the 3027-usda-program-discrimination- Kathy Farrow,
Sub-recipient’s Executives (the five complaint-form and at any USDA office Communications Specialist.
most highly compensated executives) or write a letter addressed to USDA and [FR Doc. 2018–05213 Filed 3–14–18; 8:45 am]
must be reported by the Sub-recipient (if provide in the letter all of the BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
the Sub-recipient meets the criteria information requested in the form.
under 2 CFR part 170) to the Recipient To request a copy of the complaint
by the end of the month following the form, call (866) 632–9992. Submit your
month in which the sub-award was COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
completed form or letter to USDA by:
made. a. Mail: U.S. Department of Notice of Public Meeting of the Alaska
d. Record Keeping and Accounting. Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Advisory Committee
The contract will contain provisions Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
related to record keeping and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, AGENCY: U.S. Commission on Civil
accounting requirements. DC 20250–9410; Rights.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts b. Facsimile: (202) 690–7442; or ACTION: Announcement of meeting.
c. Email: at program.intake@usda.gov.
1. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
d. USDA is an equal opportunity
programs-services/community-connect- provider, employer, and lender. pursuant to the provisions of the rules
grants. This site maintains up-to-date and regulations of the U.S. Commission
resources and contact information for Dated: February 14, 2018. on Civil Rights (Commission) and the
the Community Connect Grant Program; Christopher A. McLean, Federal Advisory Committee Act
2. Telephone: 202–720–0800; Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. (FACA) that a meeting of the Alaska
3. Email: community.connect@ [FR Doc. 2018–05200 Filed 3–14–18; 8:45 am] Advisory Committee (Committee) to the
wdc.usda.gov; and BILLING CODE P Commission will be held at 12:00 p.m.
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Document Created: 2018-03-15 02:37:55
Document Modified: 2018-03-15 02:37:55
| 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 of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA). | |
| Dates | Submit completed paper or electronic grant applications by the following deadlines: | |
| Contact | Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Telephone: (202) 720-0800. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 11494 |
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