83_FR_13285 83 FR 13225 - Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program

83 FR 13225 - Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 60 (March 28, 2018)

Page Range13225-13226
FR Document2018-06175

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program (the Broadband Program). RUS will publish on its website https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices- solicitation-applications-nosas the amount of funding received through the final appropriations act. Since the passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), RUS has only accepted applications according to discrete application windows as identified in notices published in the Federal Register. However, based on a review of the applications submitted since the implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill, RUS has determined that the use of application windows has not effectively supported the Agency's mission to finance improved broadband service in rural areas. As a result, RUS is accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout FY 2018. This will give RUS the ability to request additional information and modifications to a submitted application whenever necessary. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Every ninety (90) days, RUS will conduct an evaluation of the submitted applications. During the evaluation period, applications will be ranked based on the percentage of unserved households that the applicant proposes to serve. RUS anticipates that it will conduct at least two evaluation periods for FY 2018. Because the Agency will receive applications throughout the fiscal year, subsequent evaluation periods can alter the ranking of applications. In addition to announcing its acceptance of FY 2018 applications, RUS revises the minimum and maximum amounts for broadband loans for the fiscal year.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 60 (Wednesday, March 28, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 28, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13225-13226]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06175]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency of the United 
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting 
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the Rural Broadband Access 
Loans and Loan Guarantees Program (the Broadband Program). RUS will 
publish on its website https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas the amount of funding received through 
the final appropriations act.
    Since the passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), 
RUS has only accepted applications according to discrete application 
windows as identified in notices published in the Federal Register. 
However, based on a review of the applications submitted since the 
implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill, RUS has determined that the use 
of application windows has not effectively supported the Agency's 
mission to finance improved broadband service in rural areas. As a 
result, RUS is accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout FY 
2018. This will give RUS the ability to request additional information 
and modifications to a submitted application whenever necessary.
    Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. 
Every ninety (90) days, RUS will conduct an evaluation of the submitted 
applications. During the evaluation period, applications will be ranked 
based on the percentage of unserved households that the applicant 
proposes to serve. RUS anticipates that it will conduct at least two 
evaluation periods for FY 2018. Because the Agency will receive 
applications throughout the fiscal year, subsequent evaluation periods 
can alter the ranking of applications.
    In addition to announcing its acceptance of FY 2018 applications, 
RUS revises the minimum and maximum amounts for broadband loans for the 
fiscal year.

DATES: Applications under this NOSA will be accepted immediately 
through September 30, 2018. RUS will process loan applications as they 
are received.
    Applications can only be submitted online through the RD Apply 
website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rd-apply through 
September 30, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact Shawn 
Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Loan Origination and Approval 
Division, Rural Utilities Service, Room 2844, STOP 1597, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1597, Telephone: (202) 
720-0800, or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

General Information

    The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (the 
``Broadband Program'') is authorized by the Rural Electrification Act 
(7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), as amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014 
(Pub. L. 113-79), also referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill.
    During FY 2018, loans will be made available for the construction, 
improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment that will 
provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas. 
Applications are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1738.

Application Assistance

    RUS offers pre-application assistance, in which National Office 
staff and the assigned General Field Representative review the draft 
application, provide detailed comments, and identify areas where an 
application is not meeting eligibility requirements for funding. The 
online application system allows RUS staff to assist an applicant with 
every part of an application as it is being developed. Once the 
application is formally submitted, the online system will timestamp the 
submitted version and establish the application's place in the 
processing queue.
    Based on the order in which the applications are received, RUS will 
review the application for completeness. The applicant may be asked for 
additional information to clarify aspects of an otherwise complete 
application or to assist the Agency in the underwriting process. If the 
application is determined to be complete, RUS will review the package 
for eligibility and technical and financial feasibility, in accordance 
with 7 CFR 1738. If an application is ultimately found to be incomplete 
or inadequate, a detailed explanation will be provided to the 
applicant.
    To further assist in the preparation of applications, an 
application guide is available online at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/
programs-services/farm-bill-broadband-loans-loan-

[[Page 13226]]

guarantees. An application guide may also be requested from the RUS 
contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this 
notice.
    Application requirements: All requirements for submission of an 
application under the Broadband Program are subject to 7 CFR part 1738.
    Application Materials/Submission: Applications must be submitted 
through the Agency's online application system located at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rd-apply. All materials required for 
completing an application are included in the online system.

Minimum and Maximum Loan Amounts

    Loans under this authority will not be made for less than $100,000. 
The maximum loan amount that will be considered for FY 2018 is 
$25,000,000.

Required Definitions for Broadband Program Regulation

    The regulation for the Broadband Program requires that certain 
definitions affecting eligibility be revised and published from time to 
time by the Agency in the Federal Register. For the purposes of this 
NOSA, the Agency is revising the definitions of Broadband Service and 
Broadband Lending Speed.
    Broadband Service is determined to exist if customers are able to 
access a minimum rate-of-data transmission of twenty-five (25) megabits 
downstream and three (3) megabits upstream for both mobile and fixed 
service. This rate is used to determine whether an area is eligible for 
funding.
    Broadband Lending Speed is the minimum rate-of-data transmission 
that applicants must propose to offer the customer. The Broadband 
Lending Speed is twenty-five (25) megabits downstream and three (3) 
megabits upstream for both mobile and fixed service.

Priority for Approving Loan Applications

    Applications for FY 2018 will be accepted from the publication date 
of this NOSA through September 30, 2018. Although review of 
applications will begin as they are submitted, all applications will be 
evaluated and ranked every 90 days based on the percentage of unserved 
households in the proposed funded service area. Subject to available 
funding, eligible applications that propose to serve a higher 
percentage of unserved households will receive funding offers before 
other eligible applications that propose to serve a lower percentage of 
unserved households. The amount available will be published on the 
Agency web page once all budgetary allocations have been completed.
    Loan offers are limited to the funds available at the time of the 
Agency's decision to approve an application.
    Applications will not be accepted after September 30, 2018, until a 
new application opportunity has been opened with the publication of an 
additional NOSA in the Federal Register.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
information collection requirements associated with Broadband loans, as 
covered in this NOSA, have been approved by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0572-0130.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (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, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income 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 TTY) 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 http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html 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: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410, (2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) Email: 
[email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    Dated: March 22, 2018.
Christopher A. McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06175 Filed 3-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 28, 2018 / Notices 13225 Responsible Official DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs- services/rd-apply through September 30, Andrew Pickens District Ranger, Rural Utilities Service 2018. Sumter National Forest FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Nature of Decision To Be Made Rural Broadband Access Loans and further information contact Shawn Loan Guarantees Program Whether or not to implement the Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Proposed Action or continue to AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Loan Origination and Approval implement the 2013 ROD. ACTION:Notice of Solicitation of Division, Rural Utilities Service, Room Applications (NOSA). 2844, STOP 1597, 1400 Independence Scoping Process Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250– This Notice of Intent initiates the SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service 1597, Telephone: (202) 720–0800, or scoping process, which guides the (RUS), an Agency of the United States email: shawn.arner@wdc.usda.gov. development of the SEIS. We are Department of Agriculture (USDA), SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: inviting you to submit comments to announces that it is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for General Information help refine the proposed action. In addition, the Responsible Official is the Rural Broadband Access Loans and The Rural Broadband Access Loan currently preparing an environmental Loan Guarantees Program (the and Loan Guarantee Program (the analysis of the proposed action and Broadband Program). RUS will publish ‘‘Broadband Program’’) is authorized by needs your assistance to better identify on its website https://www.rd.usda.gov/ the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. issues, concerns and opportunities. newsroom/notices-solicitation- 901 et seq.), as amended by the Pursuant to 36 CFR 218.7(a)(2), this applications-nosas the amount of Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113– proposed project implements the land funding received through the final 79), also referred to as the 2014 Farm management plan and is subject to 36 appropriations act. Bill. CFR 218 subparts A and B. Since the passage of the Agricultural During FY 2018, loans will be made Specific written comments as defined Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), RUS has available for the construction, by § 218.2 should be within the scope of only accepted applications according to improvement, and acquisition of the proposed action, have a direct discrete application windows as facilities and equipment that will relationship to the proposed action, and identified in notices published in the provide service at the broadband must include supporting reasons for the Federal Register. However, based on a lending speed in eligible rural areas. Responsible Official to consider. It is the review of the applications submitted Applications are subject to the responsibility of all individuals and since the implementation of the 2014 requirements of 7 CFR part 1738. organizations to insure that their Farm Bill, RUS has determined that the use of application windows has not Application Assistance comments are received in a timely manner. effectively supported the Agency’s RUS offers pre-application assistance, A notice and comment period will be mission to finance improved broadband in which National Office staff and the provided at a future date (§ 218.24). service in rural areas. As a result, RUS assigned General Field Representative Only those that respond to this request is accepting applications on a rolling review the draft application, provide for comments will remain on the basis throughout FY 2018. This will give detailed comments, and identify areas mailing list for this project. RUS the ability to request additional where an application is not meeting It is important that reviewers provide information and modifications to a eligibility requirements for funding. The their comments at such times and in submitted application whenever online application system allows RUS such manner that they are useful to the necessary. staff to assist an applicant with every Applications will be processed on a part of an application as it is being agency’s preparation of the first come, first served basis. Every developed. Once the application is environmental impact statement. ninety (90) days, RUS will conduct an formally submitted, the online system Therefore, comments should be evaluation of the submitted will timestamp the submitted version provided prior to the close of the applications. During the evaluation and establish the application’s place in comment period and should clearly period, applications will be ranked the processing queue. articulate the reviewer’s concerns and based on the percentage of unserved Based on the order in which the contentions. households that the applicant proposes applications are received, RUS will Comments received in response to to serve. RUS anticipates that it will review the application for completeness. this solicitation, including names and conduct at least two evaluation periods The applicant may be asked for addresses of those who comment, will for FY 2018. Because the Agency will additional information to clarify aspects be considered part of the public record receive applications throughout the of an otherwise complete application or on these proposed actions and will be fiscal year, subsequent evaluation to assist the Agency in the underwriting available for public inspection. periods can alter the ranking of process. If the application is determined Comments submitted anonymously will applications. to be complete, RUS will review the be accepted and considered; however, In addition to announcing its anonymous comments will not provide package for eligibility and technical and acceptance of FY 2018 applications, financial feasibility, in accordance with the agency with the ability to provide RUS revises the minimum and the respondent with subsequent 7 CFR 1738. If an application is maximum amounts for broadband loans ultimately found to be incomplete or environmental documents. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES for the fiscal year. inadequate, a detailed explanation will Dated: February 28, 2018. DATES: Applications under this NOSA be provided to the applicant. Chris French, will be accepted immediately through To further assist in the preparation of Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest September 30, 2018. RUS will process applications, an application guide is System. loan applications as they are received. available online at: https:// [FR Doc. 2018–06132 Filed 3–27–18; 8:45 am] Applications can only be submitted www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/ BILLING CODE 3411–15–P online through the RD Apply website at farm-bill-broadband-loans-loan- VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:30 Mar 27, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28MRN1.SGM 28MRN1

13226 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 28, 2018 / Notices guarantees. An application guide may available will be published on the Office of the Assistant Secretary for also be requested from the RUS contact Agency web page once all budgetary Civil Rights, 1400 Independence listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION allocations have been completed. Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250– CONTACT section of this notice. Loan offers are limited to the funds 9410, (2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or (3) Application requirements: All available at the time of the Agency’s Email: program.intake@usda.gov. requirements for submission of an decision to approve an application. USDA is an equal opportunity application under the Broadband Applications will not be accepted provider, employer, and lender. Program are subject to 7 CFR part 1738. after September 30, 2018, until a new Dated: March 22, 2018. Application Materials/Submission: application opportunity has been opened with the publication of an Christopher A. McLean, Applications must be submitted through the Agency’s online application system additional NOSA in the Federal Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. located at https://www.rd.usda.gov/ Register. [FR Doc. 2018–06175 Filed 3–27–18; 8:45 am] programs-services/rd-apply. All Paperwork Reduction Act BILLING CODE P materials required for completing an application are included in the online In accordance with the Paperwork system. Reduction Act of 1995, the information DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE collection requirements associated with Minimum and Maximum Loan Broadband loans, as covered in this Submission for OMB Review; Amounts NOSA, have been approved by the Comment Request Loans under this authority will not be Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number The Department of Commerce will made for less than $100,000. The 0572–0130. submit to the Office of Management and maximum loan amount that will be Budget (OMB) for clearance the considered for FY 2018 is $25,000,000. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement following proposal for collection of Required Definitions for Broadband In accordance with Federal civil information under the provisions of the Program Regulation rights law and U.S. Department of Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. The regulation for the Broadband Agriculture (USDA) civil rights chapter 35). Program requires that certain definitions regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agency: U.S. Census Bureau. affecting eligibility be revised and Agencies, offices, and employees, and Title: American Community Survey. published from time to time by the institutions participating in or OMB Control Number: 0607–0810. Agency in the Federal Register. For the administering USDA programs are Form Number(s): ACS–1, ACS–1(SP), purposes of this NOSA, the Agency is prohibited from discriminating based on ACS–1(PR), ACS–1(PR)SP, ACS–1(GQ), revising the definitions of Broadband race, color, national origin, religion, sex, ACS–1(PR)(GQ), GQFQ, ACS CAPI Service and Broadband Lending Speed. gender identity (including gender (HU), ACS RI (HU), and AGQ QI, AGQ Broadband Service is determined to expression), sexual orientation, RI. exist if customers are able to access a disability, age, marital status, family/ Type of Request: Regular Submission. minimum rate-of-data transmission of parental status, income derived from a Number of Respondents: 3,760,000. twenty-five (25) megabits downstream public assistance program, political Average Hours Per Response: 40 and three (3) megabits upstream for both beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior minutes for the average household mobile and fixed service. This rate is civil rights activity, in any program or questionnaire. used to determine whether an area is activity conducted or funded by USDA Burden Hours: The estimate is an eligible for funding. (not all bases apply to all programs). annual average of 2,455,868 burden Broadband Lending Speed is the Remedies and complaint filing hours. minimum rate-of-data transmission that deadlines vary by program or incident. Needs and Uses: The U.S. Census applicants must propose to offer the Persons with disabilities who require Bureau requests authorization from the customer. The Broadband Lending alternative means of communication for Office of Management and Budget Speed is twenty-five (25) megabits program information (e.g., Braille, large (OMB) for revisions to the American downstream and three (3) megabits print, audiotape, American Sign Community Survey (ACS). upstream for both mobile and fixed Language, etc.) should contact the The American Community Survey service. responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET (ACS) is one of the Department of Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and Commerce’s most valuable data Priority for Approving Loan TTY) or contact USDA through the products, used extensively by Applications Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. businesses, non-governmental Applications for FY 2018 will be Additionally, program information may organizations (NGOs), local accepted from the publication date of be made available in languages other governments, and many federal this NOSA through September 30, 2018. than English. agencies. In conducting this survey, the Although review of applications will To file a program discrimination Census Bureau’s top priority is begin as they are submitted, all complaint, complete the USDA Program respecting the time and privacy of the applications will be evaluated and Discrimination Complaint Form, AD– people providing information while ranked every 90 days based on the 3027, found online at http:// preserving its value to the public. percentage of unserved households in www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ The Census Bureau has a robust the proposed funded service area. cust.html and at any USDA office or research program for the ACS focused daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Subject to available funding, eligible write a letter addressed to USDA and on enhancing quality of the respondent applications that propose to serve a provide in the letter all of the experience, survey operations, and data. higher percentage of unserved information requested in the form. To In 2017, the Census Bureau conducted households will receive funding offers request a copy of the complaint form, the 2017 Pressure Seal Mailing before other eligible applications that call (866) 632–9992. Submit your Materials Test to evaluate the impact on propose to serve a lower percentage of completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) self-response and cost of replacing unserved households. The amount Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, letters and postcards in the American VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:30 Mar 27, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28MRN1.SGM 28MRN1


Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:55:48
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:55:48
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).
DatesApplications under this NOSA will be accepted immediately through September 30, 2018. RUS will process loan applications as they are received.
ContactFor further information contact Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Loan Origination and Approval Division, Rural Utilities Service, Room 2844, STOP 1597, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1597, Telephone: (202) 720-0800, or email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 13225 
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