83_FR_16116 83 FR 16044 - Announcement of Application Deadlines and Requirements for Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or Telephone Purposes Loan Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018

83 FR 16044 - Announcement of Application Deadlines and Requirements for Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or Telephone Purposes Loan Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 72 (April 13, 2018)

Page Range16044-16047
FR Document2018-07720

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the application window and requirements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 under the Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or Telephone Purposes Program (the 313A Program) authorized under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, and related terms. The Agency will publish the amount of funding received in the appropriations act on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications- nosas. Under the 313A Program, the Federal Financing Bank (FFB) will make loans to the selected applicant(s) and RUS will guarantee the applicant(s)'s repayment of the loans to FFB. Selected applicants may use the proceeds of loan funds made available under the 313A Program to make loans to borrowers for electrification or telecommunications purposes, or to refinance bonds or notes previously issued by applicants for such purposes. The proceeds of the guaranteed bonds and notes are not to be used by applicants to directly or indirectly fund projects for the generation of electricity.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 72 (Friday, April 13, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 72 (Friday, April 13, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16044-16047]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07720]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 72 / Friday, April 13, 2018 / 
Notices

[[Page 16044]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Announcement of Application Deadlines and Requirements for 
Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification 
or Telephone Purposes Loan Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018

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), announces the application 
window and requirements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 under the Guarantees 
for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or Telephone Purposes 
Program (the 313A Program) authorized under the Rural Electrification 
Act of 1936, as amended, and related terms. The Agency will publish the 
amount of funding received in the appropriations act on its website at 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas. Under the 313A Program, the Federal Financing Bank (FFB) will 
make loans to the selected applicant(s) and RUS will guarantee the 
applicant(s)'s repayment of the loans to FFB. Selected applicants may 
use the proceeds of loan funds made available under the 313A Program to 
make loans to borrowers for electrification or telecommunications 
purposes, or to refinance bonds or notes previously issued by 
applicants for such purposes. The proceeds of the guaranteed bonds and 
notes are not to be used by applicants to directly or indirectly fund 
projects for the generation of electricity.

DATES: Completed applications must be received by RUS no later than 
5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on May 31, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Applicants are required to submit one original and two 
copies of their loan applications to the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Electric Program, ATTN: Amy 
McWilliams, Management Analyst, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1568, 
Room 0226-S, Washington, DC 20250-1568.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact Amy 
McWilliams, Management Analyst, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1568, 
Room 0226-S, Washington, DC 20250-1568. Telephone: (202) 205-8663; or 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued 
for Electrification or Telephone Purposes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.
    Announcement Type: Guarantees for Bonds and Notes.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.850.
    Due Date for Applications: Applications must be received by RUS by 
5:00 p.m. Eastern. Daylight Time (EDT) on May 31, 2018.

Items in Supplementary Information

I. Funding Opportunity Description
II. Award Information
III. Eligibility Information
IV. Fiscal Year 2018 Application and Submission Information
V. Application Review Information
VI. Issuance of the Guarantee
VII. Guarantee Agreement
VIII. Reporting Requirements
IX. Award Administration Information
X. National Environmental Policy Act Certification
XI. Other Information and Requirements
XII. Agency Contacts: Website, Phone, Fax, Email, Contact Name
XIII. Non-Discrimination Statement: USDA Non-Discrimination 
Statement, How To File a Complaint, Persons With Disabilities

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Purpose and Objectives of the 313A Program.

    The purpose of the 313A Program is to make guaranteed loans to 
selected applicants (each referred to as ``Guaranteed Lender'' in this 
NOSA and in the Program Regulations) that are to be used (i) to make 
loans for electrification or telecommunications purposes eligible for 
assistance under the RE Act (defined herein) and regulations for the 
313A Program located at 7 CFR part 1720 (also referred to as the 
``Program Regulations'' in this NOSA), or (ii) to refinance bonds or 
notes previously issued by the Guaranteed Lender for such purposes. The 
proceeds of the guaranteed bonds and notes are not to be used by the 
Guaranteed Lender to directly or indirectly fund projects for the 
generation of electricity. Each applicant must provide a statement on 
how it proposes to use the proceeds of the guaranteed bonds, and the 
financial benefit it anticipates deriving from participating in the 
program pursuant to 7 CFR 1720.6(a)(3). Objectives may include, but are 
not limited to the annual savings to be realized by the ultimate 
borrower(s) as a result of the applicant's use of lower cost loan funds 
provided by FFB and guaranteed by RUS.

B. Statutory Authority

    The 313A Program is authorized by Section 313A of the Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) (the RE Act), 
and is implemented by regulations located at 7 CFR 1720. The 
Administrator of RUS (the Administrator) has been delegated 
responsibility for administering the 313A Program.

C. Definition of Terms

    The definitions applicable to this NOSA are published at 7 CFR 
1720.3.

D. Application Awards

    RUS will review and evaluate applications received in response to 
this NOSA based on the regulations at 7 CFR 1720.7, and as provided in 
this NOSA.

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Guaranteed Loans.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2018.
    Available Funds: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.
    Award Amounts: RUS anticipates making multiple approvals under this 
NOSA. The number, amount and terms of awards under this NOSA will 
depend in part on the number of eligible applications and the amount of 
funds requested. In determining whether or not to make an award, RUS 
will take overall program policy objectives into account.

[[Page 16045]]

    Due Date for Applications: See under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
section.
    Award Date: Awards will be made on or before September 28, 2018.
    Preferred Schedule of Loan Repayment: Amortization Method (level 
debt service).

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    1. To be eligible to participate in the 313A Program, a Guaranteed 
Lender must be:
    a. A bank or other lending institution organized as a private, not-
for-profit cooperative association, or otherwise organized on a non-
profit basis; and
    b. Able to demonstrate to the Administrator that it possesses the 
appropriate expertise, experience, and qualifications to make loans for 
electrification or telephone purposes.
    2. To be eligible to receive a guarantee, a Guaranteed Lender's 
bond must meet the following criteria:
    a. The Guaranteed Lender must furnish the Administrator with a 
certified list of the principal balances of eligible loans outstanding 
and certify that such aggregate balance is at least equal to the sum of 
the proposed principal amount of guaranteed bonds to be issued, 
including any previously issued guaranteed bonds outstanding;
    b. The guaranteed bonds to be issued by the Guaranteed Lender would 
receive an underlying investment grade rating from a Rating Agency, 
without regard to the guarantee; and
    3. A lending institution's status as an eligible applicant does not 
assure that the Administrator will issue the guarantee sought in the 
amount or under the terms requested, or otherwise preclude the 
Administrator from declining to issue a guarantee.

B. Other Eligibility Requirements

    Applications will only be accepted from lenders that serve rural 
areas defined in 7 CFR 1710.2(a) as (i) any area of the United States, 
its territories and insular possessions (including any area within the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the Republic 
of Palau) other than a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a 
population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants; and (ii) any area within 
a service area of a borrower for which a borrower has an outstanding 
loan as of June 18, 2008, made under titles I through V of the Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901-950bb). For initial loans to 
a borrower made after June 18, 2008, the ``rural'' character of an area 
is determined at the time of the initial loan to furnish or improve 
service in the area.

IV. Fiscal Year 2018 Application and Submission Information

A. Applications

    All applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with 
this NOSA and 7 CFR 1720.6 (Application Process). To ensure the proper 
preparation of applications, applicants should carefully read this NOSA 
and 7 CFR part 1720 (available online at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9295e45c9a0f6a857d800fbec5dde2fb&mc=true&node=pt7.11.1720&rgn=div5).

B. Content and Form of Submission

    In addition to the required application specified in 7 CFR 1720.6, 
all applicants must submit the following additional required documents 
and materials:
    1. Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and 
Other Responsibility Matters Primary Covered Transactions. This form 
contains certain certifications relating to debarment and suspension, 
convictions, criminal charges, and the termination of public 
transactions (See 2 CFR part 417, and 7 CFR 1710.123.) This form is 
available at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-directives-records-forms/forms-management/approved-computer-generated-forms;
    2. Restrictions on Lobbying. Applicants must comply with the 
requirements relating to restrictions on lobbying activities. (See 2 
CFR part 418, and 7 CFR 1710.125.) This form is available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/regulations-guidelines/electric-sample-documents;
    3. Uniform Relocation Act assurance statement. Applicants must 
comply with 49 CFR part 24, which implements the Uniform Relocation 
Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as 
amended. (See 7 CFR 1710.124.) This form is available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/regulations-guidelines/electric-sample-documents;
    4. Federal debt delinquency requirements. This report indicates 
whether or not the applicants are delinquent on any Federal debt (See 7 
CFR 1710.126 and 7 CFR 1710.501(a)(13)). This form is available at 
http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/regulations-guidelines/electric-sample-documents;
    5. RUS Form 266, Compliance Assurance. Applicants must submit a 
non-discrimination assurance commitment to comply with certain 
regulations on non-discrimination in program services and benefits and 
on equal employment opportunity as set forth in 7 CFR parts 15 and 15b 
and 45 CFR part 90. This form is available at; http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/regulations-guidelines/forms-publications;
    6. Articles of incorporation and bylaws. See 7 CFR 1710.501(a)(14). 
These are required if either document has been amended since the last 
loan application was submitted to RUS, or if this is the applicant's 
first application for a loan under the RE Act; and
    7. Form AD-3030, Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and 
Tax Delinquent Status for Corporation Applications. Applicants are 
required to complete this form if they are a corporation. This form is 
available at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-directives-records-forms/forms-management/approved-computer-generated-forms.

C. Supplemental Documents for Submission

    1. Cash flow projections and assumptions: Each applicant must 
include five-year pro-forma cash flow projections or business plans and 
clearly state the assumptions that underlie the projections, 
demonstrating that there is reasonable assurance that the applicant 
will be able to repay the guaranteed loan in accordance with its terms 
(See 7 CFR 1720.6(a)(4)).
    2. Pending litigation statement: A statement from the applicant's 
counsel listing any pending litigation, including levels of related 
insurance coverage and the potential effect on the applicant.

V. Application Review Information

A. Application Evaluation

    1. Administrator Review. Each application will be reviewed by the 
Administrator to determine whether it is eligible under 7 CFR 1720.5, 
the information required under 7 CFR 1720.6 is complete, and the 
proposed guaranteed bond complies with applicable statutes and 
regulations. The Administrator can at any time reject an application 
that fails to meet these requirements.
    a. Applications will be subject to a substantive review, on a 
competitive basis, by the Administrator based upon the evaluation 
factors listed in 7 CFR 1720.7(b).
    2. Decisions by the Administrator. The Administrator will approve 
or deny applications in a timely manner as such applications are 
received; provided, however, that in order to facilitate competitive 
evaluation of applications, the Administrator may from time to time 
defer a decision until more than one application is pending. The 
Administrator may limit the number of

[[Page 16046]]

guarantees made to a maximum of five per year, to ensure a sufficient 
examination is conducted of applicant requests. RUS will notify the 
applicant in writing of the Administrator's approval or denial of an 
application. Approvals for guarantees will be conditioned upon 
compliance with 7 CFR 1720.4 and 7 CFR 1720.6. The Administrator 
reserves the discretion to approve an application for an amount less 
than that requested.

B. Independent Assessment

    Before a guarantee decision is made by the Administrator, the 
Administrator shall request that FFB review the rating agency 
determination required by 7 CFR 1720.5(b)(2) as to whether the bond or 
note to be issued would receive an investment grade rating without 
regard to the guarantee.

VI. Issuance of the Guarantee

    The requirements under this section must be met by the applicant 
prior to the endorsement of a guarantee by the Administrator (See 7 CFR 
1720.8.)

VII. Guarantee Agreement

    Each Guaranteed Lender will be required to enter into a Guarantee 
Agreement with RUS that contains the provisions described in 7 CFR 
1720.8 (Issuance of the Guarantee), 7 CFR 1720.9 (Guarantee Agreement), 
and 7 CFR 1720.12 (Reporting Requirements). The Guarantee Agreement 
will also obligate the Guaranteed Lender to pay, on a semi-annual 
basis, a guarantee fee equal to 30 basis points (0.30 percent) of the 
outstanding principal amount of the guaranteed loan (See 7 CFR 
1720.10). The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. 
The utility is responsible for repayment to USDA.

VIII. Reporting Requirements

    Guaranteed Lenders are required to comply with the financial 
reporting requirements and pledged collateral review and certification 
requirements set forth in 7 CFR 1720.12.

IX. Award Administration Information

Award Notices

    RUS will send a commitment letter to an applicant once the loan is 
approved. Applicants must accept and commit to all terms and conditions 
of the loan which are requested by RUS and FFB as follows:
    1. Compliance conditions. In addition to the standard conditions 
placed on the section 313A Program or conditions requested by the 
Agency to ensure loan security and statutory compliance, applicants 
must comply with the following conditions:
    a. Each Guaranteed Lender selected under the 313A Program will be 
required to post collateral for the benefit of RUS in an amount equal 
to the aggregate amount of loan advances made to the Guaranteed Lender 
under the 313A Program.
    b. The pledged collateral shall consist of outstanding notes or 
bonds payable to the Guaranteed Lender (the Eligible Securities) and 
shall be placed on deposit with a collateral agent for the benefit of 
RUS. To be deemed Eligible Securities that can be pledged as 
collateral, the notes or bonds to be pledged (i) cannot be classified 
as non-performing, impaired, or restructured under generally accepted 
accounting principles, (ii) must be free and clear of all liens other 
than the lien created for the benefit of RUS, (iii) cannot be comprised 
of more than 30% of bonds or notes from generation and transmission 
borrowers, (iv) cannot have more than 5% of notes and bonds be from any 
one particular borrower and (v) cannot be unsecured notes.
    c. The Guaranteed Lender will be required to place a lien on the 
pledged collateral in favor of RUS (as secured party) at the time that 
the pledged collateral is deposited with the collateral agent. RUS will 
have the right, in its sole discretion, within 14 business days to 
reject and require the substitution of any Pledged Collateral that the 
Guaranteed Lender deposits as collateral with the collateral agent. 
Prior to receiving any advances under the 313A Program, the Guaranteed 
Lender will be required to enter into a pledge agreement, satisfactory 
to RUS, with a banking institution serving as collateral agent.
    d. The Guaranteed Lender will be required to maintain pledged 
collateral at a level that is sufficient to ensure that in the event of 
default resources will be available to cover principal, interest, fees 
and reasonable expenses incurred by RUS as a result of a default or 
incurred pursuant to RUS's obligation to make related payments to FFB 
under the RUS Guarantee on all guarantees issued by RUS to FFB for the 
benefit of the Guaranteed Lender under Section 313A of the RE Act. The 
Guaranteed Lender will also be required to agree that the pledged 
collateral can be used for such purposes.
    e. The Guaranteed Lender will be required to agree to not to take 
any action that would have the effect of reducing the value of the 
Pledged Collateral below the level described above.
    f. Applicants must certify to the RUS, the portion of their 
Eligible Loan portfolio that is:
    (1) Refinanced RUS debt;
    (2) Debt of borrowers for whom both RUS and the applicants have 
outstanding loans;
    and
    (3) Debt of borrowers for whom both RUS and the applicant have 
outstanding concurrent loans pursuant to Section 307 of the RE Act, and 
the amount of Eligible Loans.
    2. Compliance with Federal Laws. Applicants must comply with all 
applicable Federal laws and regulations.
    a. This obligation is subject to the provisions contained in the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Public Law 115-141, Division E, 
Title VII, Sections 745 and 746, as amended and/or subsequently enacted 
for USDA agencies and offices, regarding the prohibition against RUS 
making awards to applicants having corporate felony convictions within 
the past 24 months or to applicants having corporate federal tax 
delinquencies.
    b. An authorized official within your organization must execute, 
date, and return the loan commitment letter and the Assurance Regarding 
Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants 
(Form AD-3031) to RUS within 14 calendar days from the date of the loan 
commitment letter, or by September 28, 2018, if the loan is approved 
after September 17, 2018; otherwise, the commitment will be void. This 
form is available at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-directives-records-forms/forms-management/approved-computer-generated-forms.
    c. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Filing. The Borrower must provide 
RUS with evidence that the Borrower has filed the UCC financing 
statement required by 7 CFR 1720.8(a)(2). Upon filing of the 
appropriate UCC financing statement, the Guaranteed Lender will provide 
RUS with a perfection opinion by outside counsel which demonstrates 
that RUS's security interest in the Pledged Collateral under the Pledge 
Agreement is perfected.
    d. Additional conditions may be instituted for future obligations.

X. National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    For any proceeds to be used to refinance bonds and notes previously 
issued by the Guaranteed Lender for the RE Act purposes that are not 
obligated with specific projects, RUS has determined that these 
financial actions will not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment as defined by the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its 
implementing regulations at 40 CFR

[[Page 16047]]

parts 1500-1508. However, for any new projects funded through the 313A 
Program, applicants must consult with RUS and comply with the Agency 
regulations at 7 CFR part 1970.

XI. Other Information and Requirements

    Applications must contain all of the required elements of this NOSA 
and all standard requirements as required by 7 CFR part 1720. 
Additional supporting data or documents may be required by RUS 
depending on the individual application or financial conditions. All 
applicants must comply with all Federal Laws and Regulations.

XII. Agency Contacts

    A. Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/electric-programs.
    B. Phone: (202) 205-8663.
    C. Fax: (844) 749-0736.
    D. Email: [email protected].
    E. Main point of contact: Amy McWilliams, Management Analyst, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1568, Room 0226-S, Washington, DC 20250-
1568.

XIII. 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. Individuals wishing to 
file a discrimination complaint may use the form available at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-directives-records-forms/forms-management/approved-computer-generated-forms and at any USDA office, or may 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.

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 940c-1.

    Dated: March 28, 2018.
Christopher A. McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-07720 Filed 4-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P



                                               16044

                                               Notices                                                                                                       Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                             Vol. 83, No. 72

                                                                                                                                                             Friday, April 13, 2018



                                               This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    their loan applications to the U.S.                   the RE Act (defined herein) and
                                               contains documents other than rules or                  Department of Agriculture, Rural                      regulations for the 313A Program
                                               proposed rules that are applicable to the               Utilities Service, Electric Program,                  located at 7 CFR part 1720 (also referred
                                               public. Notices of hearings and investigations,         ATTN: Amy McWilliams, Management                      to as the ‘‘Program Regulations’’ in this
                                               committee meetings, agency decisions and                Analyst, 1400 Independence Avenue                     NOSA), or (ii) to refinance bonds or
                                               rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
                                               petitions and applications and agency
                                                                                                       SW, Stop 1568, Room 0226–S,                           notes previously issued by the
                                               statements of organization and functions are            Washington, DC 20250–1568.                            Guaranteed Lender for such purposes.
                                               examples of documents appearing in this                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For                  The proceeds of the guaranteed bonds
                                               section.                                                further information contact Amy                       and notes are not to be used by the
                                                                                                       McWilliams, Management Analyst, 1400                  Guaranteed Lender to directly or
                                                                                                       Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1568,                    indirectly fund projects for the
                                               DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                               Room 0226–S, Washington, DC 20250–                    generation of electricity. Each applicant
                                                                                                       1568. Telephone: (202) 205–8663; or                   must provide a statement on how it
                                               Rural Utilities Service                                 email: amy.mcwilliams@wdc.usda.gov.                   proposes to use the proceeds of the
                                                                                                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            guaranteed bonds, and the financial
                                               Announcement of Application                                                                                   benefit it anticipates deriving from
                                               Deadlines and Requirements for                          Overview                                              participating in the program pursuant to
                                               Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds
                                                                                                         Federal Agency: Rural Utilities                     7 CFR 1720.6(a)(3). Objectives may
                                               and Notes Issued for Electrification or
                                                                                                       Service, USDA.                                        include, but are not limited to the
                                               Telephone Purposes Loan Program for                       Funding Opportunity Title:                          annual savings to be realized by the
                                               Fiscal Year (FY) 2018
                                                                                                       Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued                 ultimate borrower(s) as a result of the
                                               AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.                  for Electrification or Telephone                      applicant’s use of lower cost loan funds
                                               ACTION:Notice of Solicitation of                        Purposes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.                   provided by FFB and guaranteed by
                                               Applications (NOSA).                                      Announcement Type: Guarantees for                   RUS.
                                                                                                       Bonds and Notes.
                                               SUMMARY:    The Rural Utilities Service                   Catalog of Federal Domestic                         B. Statutory Authority
                                               (RUS), an agency of the United States                   Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.850.                       The 313A Program is authorized by
                                               Department of Agriculture (USDA),                         Due Date for Applications:                          Section 313A of the Rural Electrification
                                               announces the application window and                    Applications must be received by RUS                  Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 940c–
                                               requirements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018                  by 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Daylight Time                   1) (the RE Act), and is implemented by
                                               under the Guarantees for Bonds and                      (EDT) on May 31, 2018.                                regulations located at 7 CFR 1720. The
                                               Notes Issued for Electrification or                                                                           Administrator of RUS (the
                                                                                                       Items in Supplementary Information
                                               Telephone Purposes Program (the 313A                                                                          Administrator) has been delegated
                                               Program) authorized under the Rural                     I. Funding Opportunity Description                    responsibility for administering the
                                               Electrification Act of 1936, as amended,                II. Award Information
                                                                                                       III. Eligibility Information
                                                                                                                                                             313A Program.
                                               and related terms. The Agency will
                                                                                                       IV. Fiscal Year 2018 Application and                  C. Definition of Terms
                                               publish the amount of funding received                        Submission Information
                                               in the appropriations act on its website                V. Application Review Information                      The definitions applicable to this
                                               at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/                    VI. Issuance of the Guarantee                         NOSA are published at 7 CFR 1720.3.
                                               notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.                VII. Guarantee Agreement
                                               Under the 313A Program, the Federal                     VIII. Reporting Requirements                          D. Application Awards
                                               Financing Bank (FFB) will make loans                    IX. Award Administration Information                    RUS will review and evaluate
                                               to the selected applicant(s) and RUS                    X. National Environmental Policy Act                  applications received in response to this
                                               will guarantee the applicant(s)’s                             Certification
                                                                                                       XI. Other Information and Requirements
                                                                                                                                                             NOSA based on the regulations at 7 CFR
                                               repayment of the loans to FFB. Selected                 XII. Agency Contacts: Website, Phone, Fax,            1720.7, and as provided in this NOSA.
                                               applicants may use the proceeds of loan                       Email, Contact Name
                                               funds made available under the 313A                                                                           II. Award Information
                                                                                                       XIII. Non-Discrimination Statement: USDA
                                               Program to make loans to borrowers for                        Non-Discrimination Statement, How To              Type of Awards: Guaranteed Loans.
                                               electrification or telecommunications                         File a Complaint, Persons With                    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2018.
                                               purposes, or to refinance bonds or notes                      Disabilities                                      Available Funds: https://
                                               previously issued by applicants for such                I. Funding Opportunity Description                    www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-
                                               purposes. The proceeds of the                                                                                 solicitation-applications-nosas.
                                               guaranteed bonds and notes are not to                   A. Purpose and Objectives of the 313A                   Award Amounts: RUS anticipates
                                               be used by applicants to directly or                    Program.                                              making multiple approvals under this
                                               indirectly fund projects for the                           The purpose of the 313A Program is                 NOSA. The number, amount and terms
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                                               generation of electricity.                              to make guaranteed loans to selected                  of awards under this NOSA will depend
                                               DATES: Completed applications must be                   applicants (each referred to as                       in part on the number of eligible
                                               received by RUS no later than 5:00 p.m.                 ‘‘Guaranteed Lender’’ in this NOSA and                applications and the amount of funds
                                               Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on May 31,                  in the Program Regulations) that are to               requested. In determining whether or
                                               2018.                                                   be used (i) to make loans for                         not to make an award, RUS will take
                                               ADDRESSES: Applicants are required to                   electrification or telecommunications                 overall program policy objectives into
                                               submit one original and two copies of                   purposes eligible for assistance under                account.


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 72 / Friday, April 13, 2018 / Notices                                          16045

                                                 Due Date for Applications: See under                  IV. Fiscal Year 2018 Application and                  CFR part 90. This form is available at;
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION   section.                    Submission Information                                http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/
                                                 Award Date: Awards will be made on                                                                          regulations-guidelines/forms-
                                               or before September 28, 2018.                           A. Applications
                                                                                                                                                             publications;
                                                 Preferred Schedule of Loan                              All applications must be prepared and                 6. Articles of incorporation and
                                               Repayment: Amortization Method (level                   submitted in accordance with this                     bylaws. See 7 CFR 1710.501(a)(14).
                                               debt service).                                          NOSA and 7 CFR 1720.6 (Application                    These are required if either document
                                                                                                       Process). To ensure the proper                        has been amended since the last loan
                                               III. Eligibility Information
                                                                                                       preparation of applications, applicants               application was submitted to RUS, or if
                                               A. Eligible Applicants                                  should carefully read this NOSA and 7                 this is the applicant’s first application
                                                  1. To be eligible to participate in the              CFR part 1720 (available online at                    for a loan under the RE Act; and
                                               313A Program, a Guaranteed Lender                       http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID                7. Form AD–3030, Representations
                                               must be:                                                =9295e45c9a0f6a857d800fbec5d                          Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax
                                                  a. A bank or other lending institution               de2fb&mc=true&node=pt7.11.1720                        Delinquent Status for Corporation
                                               organized as a private, not-for-profit                  &rgn=div5).                                           Applications. Applicants are required to
                                               cooperative association, or otherwise                   B. Content and Form of Submission                     complete this form if they are a
                                               organized on a non-profit basis; and                                                                          corporation. This form is available at
                                                  b. Able to demonstrate to the                           In addition to the required application            http://www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-
                                               Administrator that it possesses the                     specified in 7 CFR 1720.6, all applicants             directives-records-forms/forms-
                                               appropriate expertise, experience, and                  must submit the following additional                  management/approved-computer-
                                               qualifications to make loans for                        required documents and materials:                     generated-forms.
                                               electrification or telephone purposes.                     1. Form AD–1047, Certification
                                                  2. To be eligible to receive a                       Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and                  C. Supplemental Documents for
                                               guarantee, a Guaranteed Lender’s bond                   Other Responsibility Matters Primary                  Submission
                                               must meet the following criteria:                       Covered Transactions. This form                          1. Cash flow projections and
                                                  a. The Guaranteed Lender must                        contains certain certifications relating to           assumptions: Each applicant must
                                               furnish the Administrator with a                        debarment and suspension, convictions,                include five-year pro-forma cash flow
                                               certified list of the principal balances of             criminal charges, and the termination of              projections or business plans and
                                               eligible loans outstanding and certify                  public transactions (See 2 CFR part 417,              clearly state the assumptions that
                                               that such aggregate balance is at least                 and 7 CFR 1710.123.) This form is                     underlie the projections, demonstrating
                                               equal to the sum of the proposed                        available at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/                that there is reasonable assurance that
                                               principal amount of guaranteed bonds                    policy-directives-records-forms/forms-                the applicant will be able to repay the
                                               to be issued, including any previously                  management/approved-computer-                         guaranteed loan in accordance with its
                                               issued guaranteed bonds outstanding;                    generated-forms;                                      terms (See 7 CFR 1720.6(a)(4)).
                                                  b. The guaranteed bonds to be issued                    2. Restrictions on Lobbying.                          2. Pending litigation statement: A
                                               by the Guaranteed Lender would receive                  Applicants must comply with the                       statement from the applicant’s counsel
                                               an underlying investment grade rating                   requirements relating to restrictions on              listing any pending litigation, including
                                               from a Rating Agency, without regard to                 lobbying activities. (See 2 CFR part 418,             levels of related insurance coverage and
                                               the guarantee; and                                      and 7 CFR 1710.125.) This form is                     the potential effect on the applicant.
                                                  3. A lending institution’s status as an              available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/
                                               eligible applicant does not assure that                 publications/regulations-guidelines/                  V. Application Review Information
                                               the Administrator will issue the                        electric-sample-documents;                            A. Application Evaluation
                                               guarantee sought in the amount or                          3. Uniform Relocation Act assurance
                                               under the terms requested, or otherwise                 statement. Applicants must comply                        1. Administrator Review. Each
                                               preclude the Administrator from                         with 49 CFR part 24, which implements                 application will be reviewed by the
                                               declining to issue a guarantee.                         the Uniform Relocation Assistance and                 Administrator to determine whether it is
                                                                                                       Real Property Acquisition Policies Act                eligible under 7 CFR 1720.5, the
                                               B. Other Eligibility Requirements                                                                             information required under 7 CFR
                                                                                                       of 1970, as amended. (See 7 CFR
                                                  Applications will only be accepted                   1710.124.) This form is available at                  1720.6 is complete, and the proposed
                                               from lenders that serve rural areas                     http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/                  guaranteed bond complies with
                                               defined in 7 CFR 1710.2(a) as (i) any                   regulations-guidelines/electric-sample-               applicable statutes and regulations. The
                                               area of the United States, its territories              documents;                                            Administrator can at any time reject an
                                               and insular possessions (including any                     4. Federal debt delinquency                        application that fails to meet these
                                               area within the Federated States of                     requirements. This report indicates                   requirements.
                                               Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and                   whether or not the applicants are                        a. Applications will be subject to a
                                               the Republic of Palau) other than a city,               delinquent on any Federal debt (See 7                 substantive review, on a competitive
                                               town, or unincorporated area that has a                 CFR 1710.126 and 7 CFR                                basis, by the Administrator based upon
                                               population of greater than 20,000                       1710.501(a)(13)). This form is available              the evaluation factors listed in 7 CFR
                                               inhabitants; and (ii) any area within a                 at http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/               1720.7(b).
                                               service area of a borrower for which a                  regulations-guidelines/electric-sample-                  2. Decisions by the Administrator.
                                               borrower has an outstanding loan as of                  documents;                                            The Administrator will approve or deny
                                               June 18, 2008, made under titles I                         5. RUS Form 266, Compliance                        applications in a timely manner as such
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                                               through V of the Rural Electrification                  Assurance. Applicants must submit a                   applications are received; provided,
                                               Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901–950bb). For                   non-discrimination assurance                          however, that in order to facilitate
                                               initial loans to a borrower made after                  commitment to comply with certain                     competitive evaluation of applications,
                                               June 18, 2008, the ‘‘rural’’ character of               regulations on non-discrimination in                  the Administrator may from time to
                                               an area is determined at the time of the                program services and benefits and on                  time defer a decision until more than
                                               initial loan to furnish or improve service              equal employment opportunity as set                   one application is pending. The
                                               in the area.                                            forth in 7 CFR parts 15 and 15b and 45                Administrator may limit the number of


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                                               16046                            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 72 / Friday, April 13, 2018 / Notices

                                               guarantees made to a maximum of five                       a. Each Guaranteed Lender selected                    (1) Refinanced RUS debt;
                                               per year, to ensure a sufficient                        under the 313A Program will be                           (2) Debt of borrowers for whom both
                                               examination is conducted of applicant                   required to post collateral for the benefit           RUS and the applicants have
                                               requests. RUS will notify the applicant                 of RUS in an amount equal to the                      outstanding loans;
                                               in writing of the Administrator’s                       aggregate amount of loan advances                        and
                                               approval or denial of an application.                   made to the Guaranteed Lender under                      (3) Debt of borrowers for whom both
                                               Approvals for guarantees will be                        the 313A Program.                                     RUS and the applicant have outstanding
                                               conditioned upon compliance with 7                         b. The pledged collateral shall consist            concurrent loans pursuant to Section
                                               CFR 1720.4 and 7 CFR 1720.6. The                        of outstanding notes or bonds payable to              307 of the RE Act, and the amount of
                                               Administrator reserves the discretion to                the Guaranteed Lender (the Eligible                   Eligible Loans.
                                               approve an application for an amount                    Securities) and shall be placed on                       2. Compliance with Federal Laws.
                                               less than that requested.                               deposit with a collateral agent for the               Applicants must comply with all
                                                                                                       benefit of RUS. To be deemed Eligible                 applicable Federal laws and regulations.
                                               B. Independent Assessment                               Securities that can be pledged as                        a. This obligation is subject to the
                                                 Before a guarantee decision is made                   collateral, the notes or bonds to be                  provisions contained in the
                                               by the Administrator, the Administrator                 pledged (i) cannot be classified as non-              Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018,
                                               shall request that FFB review the rating                performing, impaired, or restructured                 Public Law 115–141, Division E, Title
                                               agency determination required by 7 CFR                  under generally accepted accounting                   VII, Sections 745 and 746, as amended
                                               1720.5(b)(2) as to whether the bond or                  principles, (ii) must be free and clear of            and/or subsequently enacted for USDA
                                               note to be issued would receive an                      all liens other than the lien created for             agencies and offices, regarding the
                                               investment grade rating without regard                  the benefit of RUS, (iii) cannot be                   prohibition against RUS making awards
                                               to the guarantee.                                       comprised of more than 30% of bonds                   to applicants having corporate felony
                                                                                                       or notes from generation and                          convictions within the past 24 months
                                               VI. Issuance of the Guarantee
                                                                                                       transmission borrowers, (iv) cannot                   or to applicants having corporate federal
                                                 The requirements under this section                   have more than 5% of notes and bonds                  tax delinquencies.
                                               must be met by the applicant prior to                   be from any one particular borrower and                  b. An authorized official within your
                                               the endorsement of a guarantee by the                   (v) cannot be unsecured notes.                        organization must execute, date, and
                                               Administrator (See 7 CFR 1720.8.)                          c. The Guaranteed Lender will be                   return the loan commitment letter and
                                               VII. Guarantee Agreement                                required to place a lien on the pledged               the Assurance Regarding Felony
                                                                                                       collateral in favor of RUS (as secured                Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for
                                                  Each Guaranteed Lender will be                       party) at the time that the pledged                   Corporate Applicants (Form AD–3031)
                                               required to enter into a Guarantee                      collateral is deposited with the                      to RUS within 14 calendar days from
                                               Agreement with RUS that contains the                    collateral agent. RUS will have the right,            the date of the loan commitment letter,
                                               provisions described in 7 CFR 1720.8                    in its sole discretion, within 14 business            or by September 28, 2018, if the loan is
                                               (Issuance of the Guarantee), 7 CFR                      days to reject and require the                        approved after September 17, 2018;
                                               1720.9 (Guarantee Agreement), and 7                     substitution of any Pledged Collateral                otherwise, the commitment will be void.
                                               CFR 1720.12 (Reporting Requirements).                   that the Guaranteed Lender deposits as                This form is available at http://
                                               The Guarantee Agreement will also                       collateral with the collateral agent. Prior           www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-directives-
                                               obligate the Guaranteed Lender to pay,                  to receiving any advances under the                   records-forms/forms-management/
                                               on a semi-annual basis, a guarantee fee                 313A Program, the Guaranteed Lender                   approved-computer-generated-forms.
                                               equal to 30 basis points (0.30 percent)                 will be required to enter into a pledge                  c. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
                                               of the outstanding principal amount of                  agreement, satisfactory to RUS, with a                Filing. The Borrower must provide RUS
                                               the guaranteed loan (See 7 CFR                          banking institution serving as collateral             with evidence that the Borrower has
                                               1720.10). The ultimate recipients repay                 agent.                                                filed the UCC financing statement
                                               the lending utility directly. The utility                  d. The Guaranteed Lender will be                   required by 7 CFR 1720.8(a)(2). Upon
                                               is responsible for repayment to USDA.                   required to maintain pledged collateral               filing of the appropriate UCC financing
                                               VIII. Reporting Requirements                            at a level that is sufficient to ensure that          statement, the Guaranteed Lender will
                                                                                                       in the event of default resources will be             provide RUS with a perfection opinion
                                                 Guaranteed Lenders are required to                    available to cover principal, interest,               by outside counsel which demonstrates
                                               comply with the financial reporting                     fees and reasonable expenses incurred                 that RUS’s security interest in the
                                               requirements and pledged collateral                     by RUS as a result of a default or                    Pledged Collateral under the Pledge
                                               review and certification requirements                   incurred pursuant to RUS’s obligation to              Agreement is perfected.
                                               set forth in 7 CFR 1720.12.                             make related payments to FFB under the                   d. Additional conditions may be
                                               IX. Award Administration Information                    RUS Guarantee on all guarantees issued                instituted for future obligations.
                                                                                                       by RUS to FFB for the benefit of the
                                               Award Notices                                                                                                 X. National Environmental Policy Act
                                                                                                       Guaranteed Lender under Section 313A
                                                  RUS will send a commitment letter to                                                                       Certification
                                                                                                       of the RE Act. The Guaranteed Lender
                                               an applicant once the loan is approved.                 will also be required to agree that the                  For any proceeds to be used to
                                               Applicants must accept and commit to                    pledged collateral can be used for such               refinance bonds and notes previously
                                               all terms and conditions of the loan                    purposes.                                             issued by the Guaranteed Lender for the
                                               which are requested by RUS and FFB as                      e. The Guaranteed Lender will be                   RE Act purposes that are not obligated
                                               follows:                                                required to agree to not to take any                  with specific projects, RUS has
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                                                  1. Compliance conditions. In addition                action that would have the effect of                  determined that these financial actions
                                               to the standard conditions placed on the                reducing the value of the Pledged                     will not individually or cumulatively
                                               section 313A Program or conditions                      Collateral below the level described                  have a significant effect on the human
                                               requested by the Agency to ensure loan                  above.                                                environment as defined by the National
                                               security and statutory compliance,                         f. Applicants must certify to the RUS,             Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
                                               applicants must comply with the                         the portion of their Eligible Loan                    U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its
                                               following conditions:                                   portfolio that is:                                    implementing regulations at 40 CFR


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 72 / Friday, April 13, 2018 / Notices                                          16047

                                               parts 1500–1508. However, for any new                   3027. Individuals wishing to file a                   the public through the above listed toll
                                               projects funded through the 313A                        discrimination complaint may use the                  free number (audio only) and web
                                               Program, applicants must consult with                   form available at http://www.ocio.usda.               access link (visual only). Please use both
                                               RUS and comply with the Agency                          gov/policy-directives-records-forms/                  the call in number and the web access
                                               regulations at 7 CFR part 1970.                         forms-management/approved-                            link in order to fully access the meeting.
                                                                                                       computer-generated-forms and at any                      An open comment period will be
                                               XI. Other Information and
                                                                                                       USDA office, or may write a letter                    provided to allow members of the
                                               Requirements
                                                                                                       addressed to USDA and provide in the                  public to make a statement as time
                                                 Applications must contain all of the                  letter all of the information requested in            allows. The conference call operator
                                               required elements of this NOSA and all                  the form. To request a copy of the                    will ask callers to identify themselves,
                                               standard requirements as required by 7                  complaint form, call (866) 632–9992.                  the organization they are affiliated with
                                               CFR part 1720. Additional supporting                    Submit your completed form or letter to               (if any), and an email address prior to
                                               data or documents may be required by                    USDA by:                                              placing callers into the conference
                                               RUS depending on the individual                            (1) Mail: U.S. Department of                       room. Callers can expect to incur regular
                                               application or financial conditions. All                Agriculture, Office of the Assistant                  charges for calls they initiate over
                                               applicants must comply with all Federal                 Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400                      wireless lines, according to their
                                               Laws and Regulations.                                   Independence Avenue SW, Washington,                   wireless plan. The Commission will not
                                               XII. Agency Contacts                                    DC 20250–9410;                                        refund any incurred charges. Callers
                                                                                                          (2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or                        will incur no charge for calls they
                                                 A. Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/                      (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
                                               programs-services/all-programs/electric-                                                                      initiate over land-line connections to
                                                                                                       USDA is an equal opportunity provider,                the toll-free telephone number. Persons
                                               programs.                                               employer, and lender.
                                                 B. Phone: (202) 205–8663.                                                                                   with hearing impairments may also
                                                 C. Fax: (844) 749–0736.                                 Authority: 7 U.S.C. 940c–1.                         follow the proceedings by first calling
                                                 D. Email: amy.mcwilliams@                               Dated: March 28, 2018.                              the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877–
                                               wdc.usda.gov.                                           Christopher A. McLean,                                8339 and providing the Service with the
                                                 E. Main point of contact: Amy                                                                               conference call number and conference
                                                                                                       Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
                                               McWilliams, Management Analyst, 1400                                                                          ID number.
                                                                                                       [FR Doc. 2018–07720 Filed 4–12–18; 8:45 am]
                                               Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1568,                                                                               Members of the public are also
                                                                                                       BILLING CODE P
                                               Room 0226–S, Washington, DC 20250–                                                                            entitled to submit written comments;
                                               1568.                                                                                                         the comments must be received in the
                                               XIII. USDA Non-Discrimination                           COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS                            regional office within 30 days following
                                               Statement                                                                                                     the meeting. Written comments may be
                                                                                                       Notice of Public Meeting of the Kansas                mailed to the Regional Programs Unit,
                                                  In accordance with Federal civil                                                                           U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 55 W.
                                               rights law and U.S. Department of                       Advisory Committee
                                                                                                                                                             Monroe St., Suite 410, Chicago, IL
                                               Agriculture (USDA) civil rights                         AGENCY: U.S. Commission on Civil                      60615. They may also be faxed to the
                                               regulations and policies, the USDA, its                 Rights.                                               Commission at (312) 353–8324, or
                                               Agencies, offices, and employees, and                   ACTION: Announcement of meeting.                      emailed to Corrine Sanders at csanders@
                                               institutions participating in or                                                                              usccr.gov. Persons who desire
                                               administering USDA programs are                         SUMMARY:   Notice is hereby given,                    additional information may contact the
                                               prohibited from discriminating based on                 pursuant to the provisions of the rules               Regional Programs Unit at (312) 353–
                                               race, color, national origin, religion, sex,            and regulations of the U.S. Commission                8311.
                                               gender identity (including gender                       on Civil Rights (Commission) and the
                                               expression), sexual orientation,                        Federal Advisory Committee Act that                      Records generated from this meeting
                                               disability, age, marital status, family/                the Kansas Advisory Committee                         may be inspected and reproduced at the
                                               parental status, income derived from a                  (Committee) will hold a meeting on                    Regional Programs Unit Office, as they
                                               public assistance program, political                    Friday, May 25, 2018 from 12:00 p.m.–                 become available, both before and after
                                               beliefs or reprisal or retaliation for prior            1:30 p.m. Central time. The Committee                 the meeting. Records of the meeting will
                                               civil rights activity, in any program or                will hear testimony as part of their                  be available via www.facadatabase.gov
                                               activity conducted or funded by USDA                    current study on civil rights and school              under the Commission on Civil Rights,
                                               (not all bases apply to all programs).                  funding.                                              Kansas Advisory Committee link (http://
                                               Remedies and complaint filing                                                                                 www.facadatabase.gov/committee/
                                                                                                       DATES: The meeting will take place on                 meetings.aspx?cid=249). Click on
                                               deadlines vary by program or incident.                  Friday, May 25, 2018 from 12:00 p.m.–
                                                  Persons with disabilities who require                                                                      ‘‘meeting details’’ and then
                                                                                                       1:30 p.m. Central time.                               ‘‘documents’’ to download. Persons
                                               alternative means of communication for                    Public Call Information: (Audio only)
                                               program information (e.g., Braille, large                                                                     interested in the work of this Committee
                                                                                                       Dial: 877–723–9521, Conference ID:                    are directed to the Commission’s
                                               print, audiotape, American Sign                         5606543.
                                               Language, etc.) should contact the                                                                            website, http://www.usccr.gov, or may
                                                                                                         Web Access Information: (visual                     contact the Regional Programs Unit at
                                               responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET                     only): https://cc.readytalk.com/r/
                                               Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and                                                                           the above email or street address.
                                                                                                       u3i2qctjot19&eom.
                                               TTY) or contact USDA through the                                                                              Agenda
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                                                                                                       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                               Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
                                               Additionally, program information may                   Melissa Wojnaroski, DFO, at                           Welcome and Introduction
                                               be made available in languages other                    mwojnaroski@usccr.gov or 312–353–
                                                                                                       8311.                                                 Panel Testimony: Civil Rights and
                                               than English.                                                                                                   School Funding in Kansas
                                                  To file a program discrimination                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:      Members
                                               complaint, complete the USDA Program                    of the public can listen to the                       Public Comment
                                               Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–                      discussion. This meeting is available to              Adjournment


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Document Created: 2018-04-13 00:18:26
Document Modified: 2018-04-13 00:18:26
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).
DatesCompleted applications must be received by RUS no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on May 31, 2018.
ContactFor further information contact Amy McWilliams, Management Analyst, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1568, Room 0226-S, Washington, DC 20250-1568. Telephone: (202) 205-8663; or email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 16044 

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