83 FR 24726 - Inviting Applications for Rural Cooperative Development Grants

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 104 (May 30, 2018)

Page Range		24726-24735
FR Document		2018-11482

This Notice announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year (FY) 2018 applications for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program. The RCDG program is authorized under section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT). The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. Eligible applicants include a non-profit corporation or an institution of higher education.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 104 (Wednesday, May 30, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 30, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24726-24735]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11482]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Inviting Applications for Rural Cooperative Development Grants

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year (FY) 2018 applications for
the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program. The RCDG
program is authorized under section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (CONACT).
The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to
improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative
development. Eligible applicants include a non-profit corporation or an
institution of higher education.

[[Page 24727]]

DATES: Completed applications must be submitted on paper or
electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent
overnight no later than July 30, 2018. You may also hand carry your
application to one of our field offices, but it must be received by
close of business on the deadline date. Late applications are not
eligible for funding under this Notice and will not be evaluated.
Electronic applications must be received by July 24, 2018, to be
eligible for grant funding. Please review the Grants.gov website at
http://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp. For
instructions on the process of registering your organization as soon as
possible to ensure you are able to meet the electronic application
deadline. Late applications are not eligible for funding under this
Notice and will not be evaluated.

ADDRESSES: You should contact a USDA Rural Development State Office
(State Office) if you have questions. You are encouraged to contact
your State Office well in advance of the application deadline to
discuss your project and ask any questions about the application
process. Contact information for State Offices can be found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.
Program guidance as well as application and matching funds
templates may be obtained at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program. If you want to submit an
electronic application, follow the instructions for the RCDG funding
announcement located at http://www.grants.gov. If you want to submit a
paper application, send it to the State Office located in the State
where you are headquartered. If you are headquartered in Washington, DC
please contact the Grants Division, Cooperative Programs, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, at (202) 690-1374 for guidance on where
to submit your application.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Grants Division, Cooperative Programs,
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop-3253, Room 4208-
South, Washington, DC 20250-3253, (202) 690-1374.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Preface

The Agency encourages applications that will support
recommendations made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force report to help
improve life in rural America. www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity. Applicants
are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in
helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies
through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and
innovation. Key strategies include:

Achieving e-Connectivity for rural America
Developing the Rural Economy
Harnessing Technological Innovation
Supporting a Rural Workforce
Improving Quality of Life

Overview

Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Cooperative Development Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial Notice.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.771.
Date: Application Deadline. Paper applications must be postmarked,
mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than July 30, 2018, or it
will not be considered for funding. You may also hand carry your
application to one of our field offices, but it must be received by
close of business on the deadline date. Electronic applications must be
received by http://www.grants.gov no later than midnight Eastern Time
July 24, 2018, or it will not be considered for funding.

Paperwork Reduction Act

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the paperwork
burden associated with this Notice has been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0006.

A. Program Description

The RCDG program is authorized under section 310B(e) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT) (7 U.S.C. 1932(e))
as amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79). You are
required to comply with the regulations for this program published at 7
CFR part 4284, subparts A and F, which are incorporated by reference in
this Notice. Therefore, you should become familiar with these
regulations. The primary objective of the RCDG program is to improve
the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The maximum award amount per
grant is $200,000. Grants are available for non-profit corporations or
higher education institutions only. Grant funds may be used to pay for
up to 75 percent of the cost of establishing and operating centers for
rural cooperative development. Grant funds may be used to pay for 95
percent of the cost of establishing and operating centers for rural
cooperative development, when the applicant is a 1994 Institution as
defined by 7 U.S.C. 301. The 1994 Institutions are commonly known as
Tribal Land Grant Institutions. Centers may have the expertise on staff
or they can contract out for the expertise, to assist individuals or
entities in the startup, expansion or operational improvement of rural
businesses, especially cooperative or mutually-owned businesses.
Definitions
The terms you need to understand are defined and published at 7 CFR
4284.3 and 7 CFR 4284.504. In addition, the terms ``rural'' and ``rural
area,'' defined at section 343(a)(13) of the CONACT (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)),
are incorporated by reference, and will be used for this program
instead of those terms currently published at 7 CFR 4284.3. The term
``you'' referenced throughout this Notice should be understood to mean
``you'' the applicant. Finally, there has been some confusion on the
Agency's meaning of the terms ``conflict of interest'' and ``mutually-
owned business,'' because they are not defined in the CONACT or in the
regulations used for the program. Therefore, the terms are clarified
and should be understood as follows.
Conflict of interest--A situation in which a person or entity has
competing personal, professional, or financial interests that make it
difficult for the person or business to act impartially. Regarding use
of both grant and matching funds, Federal procurement standards
prohibit transactions that involve a real or apparent conflict of
interest for owners, employees, officers, agents, or their immediate
family members having a financial or other interest in the outcome of
the project; or that restrict open and free competition for
unrestrained trade. Specifically, project funds may not be used for
services or goods going to, or coming from, a person or entity with a
real or apparent conflict of interest, including, but not limited to,
owner(s) and their immediate family members. An example of conflict of
interest occurs when the grantee's employees, board of directors, or
the immediate family of either, have the appearance of a professional
or personal financial interest in the recipients receiving the benefits
or services of the grant.
Mutually-owned business--An organization owned and governed by

[[Page 24728]]

members who either are its consumers, producers, employees, or
suppliers.

B. Federal Award Information

Type of Award: Competitive Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2018.
Total Funding: $5,800,000
Maximum Award: $200,000.
Anticipated Award Date: September 28, 2018.

C. Eligibility Information

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements.
Applications which fail to meet any of these requirements by the
application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be
evaluated further.
1. Eligible Applicants
You must be a nonprofit corporation or an institution of higher
education to apply for this program. Public bodies and individuals
cannot apply for this program. See 7 CFR 4284.507. You must also meet
the following requirements:
a. An applicant is ineligible if they have been debarred or
suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in
Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, ``Debarment
and Suspension.'' The Agency will check the System for Award Management
(SAM) to determine if the applicant has been debarred or suspended. In
addition, an applicant will be considered ineligible for a grant due to
an outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court (other
than U.S. Tax Court), is delinquent on the payment of Federal income
taxes, or is delinquent on Federal debt. See 7 CFR 4284.6. The
applicant must certify as part of the application that they do not have
an outstanding judgment against them. The Agency will check the Credit
Alert Interactive Voice Response System (CAIVRS) to verify this.
b. Any corporation that has been convicted of a felony criminal
violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months or that has
any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an
agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax
liability, is not eligible for financial assistance provided with funds
appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-
141), unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of
the corporation and has made a determination that this further action
is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government. Applicants
will be required to complete Form AD-3030, ``Representations Regarding
Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants,''
if you are a corporation. Institutions of Higher Education are not
required to submit this form.
c. Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application
includes any funding restrictions identified under Section D.6.a. and
b. Inclusion of funding restrictions outlined in Section D.6.a. and b.
preclude the Agency from making a federal award.
d. Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application is not
complete in accordance with the requirements stated in Section C.3.e.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Your matching funds requirement is 25 percent of the total project
cost (5 percent for 1994 Institutions). See 7 CFR 4284.508. When you
calculate your matching funds requirement, please round up or down to
whole dollars as appropriate. An example of how to calculate your
matching funds is as follows:
a. Take the amount of grant funds you are requesting and divide it
by .75. This will give you your total project cost.
Example: $200,000 (grant amount)/.75 (percentage for use of grant
funds) = $266,667 (total project cost).
b. Subtract the amount of grant funds you are requesting from your
total project cost. This will give you your matching funds requirement.
Example: $266,667 (total project cost) - $200,000 (grant amount) =
$66,667 (matching funds requirement).
c. A quick way to double check that you have the correct amount of
matching funds is to take your total project cost and multiply it by
.25.
Example: $266,667 (total project cost) x .25 (maximum percentage of
matching funds requirement) = $66,667 (matching funds requirement).
You must verify that all matching funds are available during the
grant period and provide this documentation with your application in
accordance with requirements identified in Section D.2.e.8. If you are
awarded a grant, additional verification documentation may be required
to confirm the availability of matching funds.
Other rules for matching funds that you must follow are listed
below.
They must be spent on eligible expenses during the grant
period.
They must be from eligible sources.
They must be spent in advance or as a pro-rata portion of
grant funds being spent.
They must be provided by either the applicant or a third
party in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution.
They cannot include board/advisory council members' time.
They cannot include other Federal grants unless provided
by authorizing legislation.
They cannot include cash or in-kind contributions donated
outside the grant period.
They cannot include over-valued, in-kind contributions.
They cannot include any project costs that are ineligible
under the RCDG program.
They cannot include any project costs that are unallowable
under the applicable grant ``Cost Principles,'' including 2 CFR part
200, subpart E, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (for-profits) or
successor regulation.
They can include loan funds from a Federal source.
They can include travel and incidentals for board/advisory
council members if you have established written policies explaining how
these costs are normally reimbursed, including rates. You must include
an explanation of this policy in your application or the contributions
will not be considered as eligible matching funds.
You must be able to document and verify the number of
hours worked and the value associated with any in-kind contribution
being used to meet a matching funds requirement.
In-kind contributions provided by individuals, businesses,
or cooperatives which are being assisted by you cannot be provided for
the direct benefit of their own projects as USDA Rural Development
considers this to be a conflict of interest or the appearance of a
conflict of interest.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
a. Purpose Eligibility
Your application must propose the establishment or continuation of
a cooperative development center concept. You must use project funds,
including grant and matching funds for eligible purposes only (see 7
CFR 4284.508). In addition, project funds may be used for programs
providing for the coordination of services and sharing of information
among the centers (see 7 U.S.C 1932(e) (4) (C) (vi)).
b. Project Eligibility
All project activities must be for the benefit of a rural area.
c. Multiple Application Eligibility
Only one application can be submitted per applicant. If two
applications are submitted (regardless of

[[Page 24729]]

the applicant name) that include the same Executive Director and/or
advisory boards or committees of an existing center, both applications
will be determined not eligible for funding.
d. Grant Period
Your application must include a one-year grant period, or it will
not be considered for funding. The grant period should begin no earlier
than October 1, 2018, and no later than January 1, 2019. Applications
that request funds for a time period ending after December 31, 2019,
will not be considered for funding. Projects must be completed within a
one-year timeframe. Prior approval is needed from the Agency if you are
awarded a grant and desire the grant period to begin earlier or later
than previously discussed.
The Agency may approve requests to extend the grant period for up
to an additional 12 months at its discretion. However, you may not have
more than one active RCDG during the same grant period. Further
guidance on grant period extensions will be provided in the award
document.
e. Completeness
Your application will not be considered for funding if it fails to
meet an eligibility criterion by time of application deadline and does
not provide sufficient information to determine eligibility and
scoring. You must include all of the forms and proposal elements as
discussed in the regulation and as clarified further in this Notice.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the Agency. For more
information on what is required for an application, see 7 CFR 4284.510.
f. Satisfactory Performance
You must be performing satisfactorily on any outstanding RCDG award
to be considered eligible for a new award. Satisfactory performance
includes being up-to-date on all financial and performance reports as
prescribed in the grant award, and current on tasks and timeframes for
utilizing grant and matching funds as approved in the work plan and
budget. If you have any unspent grant funds on RCDG awards prior to
fiscal year 2017, your application will not be considered for funding.
If your fiscal year 2017 award has unspent funds of 50 percent or more
than what your approved work plan and budget projected, at the time
that your fiscal year 2018 application is being evaluated, your
application will not be considered for funding. The Agency will verify
the performance status of FY 2017 awards and make a determination after
the FY 2018 application period closes.
g. Duplication of Current Services
Your application must demonstrate that you are providing services
to new customers or new services to current customers. If your work
plan and budget is duplicative of your existing award, your application
will not be considered for funding. If your workplan and budget is
duplicative of a previous or existing RCDG and/or Socially
Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) award, your application will not be
considered for funding. The Agency will make this determination.
h. Indirect Costs
Your negotiated indirect cost rate approval does not need to be
included in your application, but you will be required to provide it if
a grant is awarded. Approval for indirect costs that are requested in
an application without an approved indirect cost rate agreement is at
the discretion of the Agency.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package
For further information, you should contact your State Office at
http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. Program materials may
also be obtained at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program. You may also obtain a copy by
calling 202-690-1374.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
You may submit your application in paper form or electronically
through Grants.gov. If you submit in paper form, any forms requiring
signatures must include an original signature.
a. Electronic Submission
To apply electronically, you must use the Grants.gov website at
http://www.Grants.gov. You may not apply electronically in any way
other than through Grants.gov.
You can locate the Grants.gov downloadable application package for
this program by using a keyword, the program name, or the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program.
When you enter the Grants.gov website, you will find information
about applying electronically through the site, as well as the hours of
operation.
To use Grants.gov, you must already have a DUNS number and you must
also be registered and maintain registration in SAM. We strongly
recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to
begin the application process through Grants.gov.
You must submit all your application documents electronically
through Grants.gov. Applications must include electronic signatures.
Original signatures may be required if funds are awarded.
After electronically applying through Grants.gov, you will receive
an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov
tracking number.
b. Paper Submission
If you want to submit a paper application, send it to the State
Office located in the State where your project will primarily take
place. You can find State Office Contact information at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. An optional-use Agency
application template is available online at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program.
c. Supplemental Information
Your application must contain all the required forms and proposal
elements described in 7 CFR 4284.510 and as otherwise clarified in this
Notice. Specifically, your application must include: (1) The required
forms as described in 7 CFR 4284.510(b) and (2) the required proposal
elements as described in 7 CFR 4284.510(c). If your application is
incomplete, it is ineligible to compete for funds. Applications lacking
sufficient information to determine eligibility and scoring will be
considered ineligible. Information submitted after the application
deadline will not be accepted. You are encouraged, but not required to
utilize the application template found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program.
d. Clarifications on Forms
Standard Form (SF) 424--Your DUNS number should be
identified in the ``Organizational DUNS'' field on SF 424,
``Application for Federal Assistance.'' In addition, you should provide
the DUNS number and the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code
and expiration date under the applicant eligibility discussion in your
proposal narrative. If you do not include the CAGE code and expiration
date and the DUNS number in your application, it will not be considered
for funding.
Form AD-3030, ``Representations Regarding Felony
Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate

[[Page 24730]]

Applicants,'' if you are a corporation. A corporation is any entity
that has filed articles of incorporation in one of the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic
of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the various
territories of the United States including American Samoa, Guam, Midway
Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico,
or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Corporations include both for profit and
non-profit entities. Institutions of Higher Education are not required
to submit this form.
You can voluntarily fill out and submit the ``Survey on
Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' as part of your
application if you are a nonprofit organization.
e. Clarifications on Proposal Elements
1. You must include the title of the project as well as any other
relevant identifying information on the Title Page.
2. You must include a Table of Contents with page numbers for each
component of the application to facilitate review.
3. Your Executive Summary must include the items in 7 CFR
4284.510(c) (3), and discuss the percentage of work that will be
performed among organizational staff, consultants, or other
contractors. It should not exceed two pages.
4. Your Eligibility Discussion must not exceed two pages and cover
how you meet the eligibility requirements for applicant, matching
funds, and other eligibility requirements.
5. Your Proposal Narrative must not exceed 40 pages and should
describe the essential aspects of the project.
i. You are only required to have one title page for the proposal.
ii. If you list the evaluation criteria on the Table of Contents
and specifically and individually address each criterion in narrative
form, then it is not necessary for you to include an Information Sheet.
Otherwise, the Information Sheet is required under 7 CFR
4284.510(c)(ii).
iii. You must include the following under Goals of the Project:
A. A statement that substantiates that the Center will effectively
serve rural areas in the United States;
B. A statement that the primary objective of the Center will be to
improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative
development;
C. A description of the contributions that the proposed activities
are likely to make to the improvement of the economic conditions of the
rural areas for which the Center will provide services. Expected
economic impacts should be tied to tasks included in the work plan and
budget; and
D. A statement that the Center, in carrying out its activities,
will seek, where appropriate, the advice, participation, expertise, and
assistance of representatives of business, industry, educational
institutions, the Federal government, and State and local governments.
iv. The Agency has established annual performance evaluation
measures to evaluate the RCDG program. You must provide estimates on
the following performance evaluation measures.
Number of groups who are not legal entities assisted.
Number of businesses that are not cooperatives assisted.
Number of cooperatives assisted.
Number of businesses incorporated that are not
cooperatives.
Number of cooperatives incorporated.
Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance.
Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance.
Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG
funding.
Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG
funding.
It is permissible to have a zero in a performance element. When you
calculate jobs created, estimates should be based upon actual jobs to
be created by your organization because of the RCDG funding or actual
jobs to be created by cooperative businesses or other businesses as a
result of assistance from your organization. When you calculate jobs
saved, estimates should be based only on actual jobs that would have
been lost if your organization did not receive RCDG funding or actual
jobs that would have been lost without assistance from your
organization.
v. You can also suggest additional performance elements for example
where job creation or jobs saved may not be a relevant indicator (e.g.
housing). These additional criteria should be specific, measurable
performance elements that could be included in an award document.
vi. You must describe in the application how you will undertake to
do each of the following. We would prefer if you described these
undertakings within proposal evaluation criteria to reduce duplication
in your application. The specific proposal evaluation criterion where
you should address each undertaking is noted below.
A. Take all practicable steps to develop continuing sources of
financial support for the Center, particularly from sources in the
private sector (should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion
j., utilizing the specific requirements of Section E.1.j.);
B. Make arrangements for the Center's activities to be monitored
and evaluated (should be addressed under proposal evaluation criterion
number h. utilizing the specific requirements of Section E.1.h.); and
C. Provide an accounting for the money received by the grantee in
accordance with 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F. This should be addressed
under proposal evaluation criterion number a., utilizing the specific
requirements of Section E.1.a.
vii. You should present the Work Plan and Budget proposal element
under proposal evaluation criterion number h., utilizing the specific
requirements of Section E.1.h. of this Notice to reduce duplication in
your application.
viii. You should present the Delivery of Cooperative development
assistance proposal element under proposal evaluation criterion number
b., utilizing the specific requirements of Section E.1.b. of this
Notice.
ix. You should present the Qualifications of Personnel proposal
element under proposal evaluation criterion number i., utilizing the
specific requirements of Section E.1.i. of this Notice.
x. You should present the Local Support and Future Support proposal
elements under proposal evaluation criterion number j., utilizing the
requirements of Section E.1.j. of this Notice.
xi. Your application will not be considered for funding if you do
not address all the proposal evaluation criteria. See Section E.1. of
this Notice for a description of the proposal evaluation criteria.
xii. Only appendices A-C will be considered when evaluating your
application. You must not include resumes of staff or consultants in
the application.
6. You must certify that there are no current outstanding Federal
judgments against your property and that you will not use grant funds
to pay for any judgment obtained by the United States. To satisfy the
Certification requirement, you should include this statement in your
application: ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that the United
States has not obtained an unsatisfied judgment against its property,
is not delinquent on the payment of Federal income taxes, or any
Federal debt, and will not use grant funds to pay any judgments
obtained by the United

[[Page 24731]]

States.'' A separate signature is not required.
7. You must certify that matching funds will be available at the
same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that expenditures
of matching funds are pro-rated or spent in advance of grant funding,
such that for every dollar of the total project cost, not less than the
required amount of matching funds will be expended. Please note that
this Certification is a separate requirement from the Verification of
Matching Funds requirement. To satisfy the Certification requirement,
you should include this statement in your application: ``[INSERT NAME
OF APPLICANT] certifies that matching funds will be available at the
same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that expenditures
of matching funds shall be pro-rated or spent in advance of grant
funding, such that for every dollar of the total project cost, at least
25 cents (5 cents for 1994 Institutions) of matching funds will be
expended.'' A separate signature is not required.
8. You must provide documentation in your application to verify all
of your proposed matching funds. The documentation must be included in
Appendix A of your application and will not count towards the 40-page
limitation. Template letters are available for each type of matching
funds contribution at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program.
a. If matching funds are to be provided in cash, you must meet the
following requirements.
You: The application must include a statement verifying
(1) the amount of the cash and (2) the source of the cash. You may also
provide a bank statement dated 30 days or less from the application
deadline date to verify your cash match.
Third-party: The application must include a signed letter
from the third party verifying (1) how much cash will be donated and
(2) that it will be available corresponding to the proposed grant
period or donated on a specific date within the grant period.
b. If matching funds are to be provided by an in-kind donation, you
must meet the following requirements.
You: The application must include a signed letter from you
or your authorized representative verifying (1) the nature of the goods
and/or services to be donated and how they will be used, (2) when the
goods and/or services will be donated (i.e., corresponding to the
proposed grant period or to specific dates within the grant period),
and (3) the value of the goods and/or services. Please note that most
applicant contributions for the RCDG program are considered applicant
cash match in accordance with this Notice. If you are unsure, please
contact your State Office because identifying your matching funds
improperly can affect your scoring.
Third-Party: The application must include a signed letter
from the third party verifying (1) the nature of the goods and/or
services to be donated and how they will be used, (2) when the goods
and/or services will be donated (i.e., corresponding to the proposed
grant period or to specific dates within the grant period), and (3) the
value of the goods and/or services.
To ensure that you are identifying and verifying your matching
funds appropriately, please note the following:
If you are paying for goods and/or services as part of the
matching funds requirement, the expenditure is considered a cash match,
and you must verify it as such. Universities must verify the goods and
services they are providing to the project as a cash match and the
verification must be approved by the appropriate approval official
(i.e., sponsored programs office or equivalent).
If you have already received cash from a third-party
(i.e., Foundation) before the start of your proposed grant period, you
must verify this as your own cash match and not as a third-party cash
match. If you are receiving cash from a third-party during the grant
period, then you must be verifying the cash as a third-party cash
match.
Board resolutions for a cash match must be approved at the
time of application.
You can only consider goods or services for which no
expenditure is made as an in-kind contribution.
If a non-profit or another organization contributes the
services of affiliated volunteers, they must follow the third-party,
in-kind donation verification requirement for each individual
volunteer.
Expected program income may not be used to fulfill your
matching funds requirement at the time you submit your application.
However, if you have a contract to provide services in place at the
time you submit your application, you can verify the amount of the
contract as a cash match.
The valuation processes you use for in-kind contributions
does not need to be included in your application, but you must be able
to demonstrate how the valuation was derived if you are awarded a
grant. The grant award may be withdrawn, or the amount of the grant
reduced if you cannot demonstrate how the valuation was derived.
Successful applicants must comply with requirements identified in
Section F, Federal Award Administration.
3. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System
for Awards Management (SAM)
To be eligible (unless you are excepted under 2 CFR 25.110(b), (c)
or (d), you are required to:
(a) Provide a valid DUNS number in your application, which can be
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711;
(b) Register in SAM before submitting your application. You may
register in SAM at no cost at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.
You must provide your SAM CAGE Code and expiration date or evidence
that you have begun the SAM registration process at time of
application, and
(c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which you have an active Federal award
or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding
agency.
If you have not fully complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM
requirements, the Agency may determine that the applicant is not
qualified to receive a Federal award and the Agency may use that
determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.
Please refer to Section F.2. for additional submission requirements
that apply to grantees selected for this program.
4. Submission Dates and Times
Application Deadline Date: July 30, 2018.
Explanation of Deadlines: Complete applications must be submitted
on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent
overnight no later than July 30, 2018, to be eligible for grant
funding. The Agency will determine whether your application is late
based on the date shown on the postmark or shipping invoice. You may
also hand carry your application to one of our field offices, but it
must be received by close of business on the deadline date. If the due
date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the reporting
package is due the next business day. Late applications will
automatically be deemed ineligible.
Electronic applications must be received by http://www.grants.gov
no later than midnight Eastern Time July 24, 2018, to be eligible for
grant funding. Please review the Grants.gov website at http://
grants.gov/applicants/

[[Page 24732]]

organization_registration.jsp for instructions on the process of
registering your organization as soon as possible to ensure you can
meet the electronic application deadline. Grants.gov will not accept
applications submitted after the deadline.
5. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs,'' applies to this program. This E.O. requires that Federal
agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance
with State and local governments. Many States have established a Single
Point of Contact (SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. For a list of
States that maintain a SPOC, please see the White House website:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf. If your State has an SPOC, you may submit a copy of the
application directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC
must be provided to your State Office for consideration as part of your
application. If your State has not established an SPOC, or if you do
not want to submit a copy of the application, our State Offices will
submit your application to the SPOC or other appropriate agency or
agencies.
6. Funding Restrictions
a. Project funds, including grant and matching funds, cannot be
used for ineligible grant purposes (see 7 CFR 4284.10). Also, you shall
not use project funds for the following:
To purchase, rent, or install laboratory equipment or
processing machinery;
To pay for the operating costs of any entity receiving
assistance from the Center;
To pay costs of the project where a conflict of interest
exists;
To fund any activities prohibited by 2 CFR part 200; or
To fund any activities considered unallowable by 2 CFR
part 200, subpart E, ``Cost Principles,'' and the Federal Acquisition
Regulation (for-profits) or successor regulations.
b. In addition, your application will not be considered for funding
if it does any of the following:
Focuses assistance on only one cooperative or mutually-
owned business;
Requests more than the maximum grant amount; or
Proposes ineligible costs that equal more than 10 percent
of total project costs. The ineligible costs will NOT be removed at
this stage to proceed with application processing. For purposes of this
determination, the grant amount requested plus the matching funds
amount constitutes the total project costs.
We will consider your application for funding if it includes
ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total project costs, if the
remaining costs are determined eligible otherwise. However, if your
application is successful, those ineligible costs must be removed and
replaced with eligible costs before the Agency will make the grant
award, or the amount of the grant award will be reduced accordingly. If
we cannot determine the percentage of ineligible costs, your
application will not be considered for funding.
7. Other Submission Requirements
a. You should not submit your application in more than one format.
You must choose whether to submit your application in paper or
electronically. Applications submitted on paper must be mailed or hand-
delivered to the State Office located in the State where you are
headquartered. You can find State Office contact information at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. To submit an application
electronically, you must follow the instruction for this funding
announcement at http://www.grants.gov. A password is not required to
access the website.
b. National Environmental Policy Act.
All recipients under this Notice are subject to the requirements of
7 CFR part 1970. However, technical assistance awards under this Notice
are classified as a Categorical Exclusion according to 7 CFR
1970.53(b), and usually do not require any additional documentation.
The Agency will review each grant application to determine its
compliance with 7 CFR part 1970. The applicant may be asked to provide
additional information or documentation to assist the Agency with this
determination.
c. Civil Rights Compliance Requirements.
All grants made under this Notice are subject to Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15,
subpart A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

E. Application Review Information

The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are
eligible for assistance based on requirements in 7 CFR part 4284,
subparts A and F, this Notice, and other applicable Federal
regulations. If determined eligible, your application will be scored by
a panel of USDA employees in accordance with the point allocation
specified in this Notice. Applications will be funded in rank order
until the funding limitation has been reached. Applications that cannot
be fully funded may be offered partial funding at the Agency's
discretion.
1. Scoring Criteria
Scoring criteria will follow criteria published at 7 CFR 4284.513
as supplemented below including any amendments made by the Section 6013
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-234),
which is incorporated by reference in this Notice. The regulatory and
statutory criteria are clarified and supplemented below. You should
also include information as described in Section D.2.e.5.vi. if you
choose to address these items under the scoring criteria. Evaluators
will base scores only on the information provided or cross-referenced
by page number in each individual evaluation criterion. The maximum
amount of points available is 110. Newly established or proposed
Centers that do not yet have a track record on which to evaluate the
following criteria should refer to the expertise and track records of
staff or consultants expected to perform tasks related to the
respective criteria. Proposed or newly established Centers must be
organized well-enough at time of application to address its
capabilities for meeting these criteria.
a. Administrative capabilities (maximum score of 10 points). A
panel of USDA employees will evaluate your demonstrated track record in
carrying out activities in support of development assistance to
cooperatively and mutually owned businesses. At a minimum, you must
discuss the following administrative capabilities:
1. Financial systems and audit controls;
2. Personnel and program administration performance measures;
3. Clear written rules of governance; and
4. Experience administering Federal grant funding no later than the
last 5 years, including but not limited to past RCDGs. Please list the
name of the Federal grant program(s), the amount(s), and the date(s) of
funding received.
You will score higher on this criterion if you can demonstrate that
the Center has independent governance. For applicants that are
universities or parent organizations, you should demonstrate that there
is a separate board of directors for the Center.
b. Technical assistance and other services (maximum score of 10
points). A panel of USDA employees will evaluate your demonstrated
expertise no later than the last 5 years in providing

[[Page 24733]]

technical assistance and accomplishing effective outcomes in rural
areas to promote and assist the development of cooperatively and
mutually owned businesses. You must discuss at least:
1. Your potential for delivering effective technical assistance;
2. The types of assistance provided;
3. The expected effects of that assistance;
4. The sustainability of organizations receiving the assistance;
and
5. The transferability of your cooperative development strategies
and focus to other areas of the U.S.
A chart or table showing the outcomes of your demonstrated
expertise based upon the performance elements listed in Section
D.2.e.5.iv. or as identified in your award document on previous RCDG
awards. At a minimum, please provide information for FY 2014-FY 2016
awards. We prefer that you provide one chart or table separating out
award years. The intention here is for you to provide actual
performance numbers based upon award years (fiscal year) even though
your grant period for the award was for the next calendar or fiscal
year. Please provide a narrative explanation if you have not received a
RCDG award.
You will score higher on this criterion if you provide more than 3
years of outcomes and can demonstrate that the organizations you
assisted within the last 5 years are sustainable. Additional outcome
information should be provided on RCDG grants awarded before FY 2014.
Please describe specific project(s) when addressing 1-5 of this
paragraph. To reduce duplication, descriptions of specific projects and
their impacts, outcomes and roles can be discussed once under criterion
b or c. However, you must cross-reference the information under the
other criterion.
c. Economic development (maximum score of 10 points). A panel of
USDA employees will evaluate your demonstrated ability to facilitate:
1. Establishment of cooperatives or mutually owned businesses;
2. New cooperative approaches (i.e., organizing cooperatives among
underserved individuals or communities; an innovative market approach;
a type of cooperative currently not in your service area; a new
cooperative structure; novel ways to raise member equity or community
capitalization; conversion of an existing business to cooperative
ownership); and
3. Retention of businesses, generation of employment opportunities
or other factors, as applicable, that will otherwise improve the
economic conditions of rural areas.
You will score higher on this criterion if you provide economic
measurements showing the impacts of your past development projects no
later than 5 years old and identify your role in the economic
development outcomes.
d. Past performance in establishing legal business entities
(maximum score of 10 points). A panel of USDA employees will evaluate
your demonstrated past performance in establishing legal cooperative
business entities and other legal business entities during January 1,
2015-December 31, 2017. Provide the name of the organization(s)
established, the date of formation and your role in assisting with the
incorporation(s) under this criterion. In addition, documentation
verifying the establishment of legal business entities must be included
in Appendix C of your application and will not count against the 40-
page limit for the narrative. The documentation must include proof that
organizational documents were filed with the Secretary of State's
Office (i.e., Certificate of Incorporation or information from the
State's official website naming the entity established and the date of
establishment); or if the business entity is not required to register
with the Secretary of State, a certification from the business entity
that a legal business entity has been established and when. Please note
that you are not required to submit articles of incorporation to
receive points under this criterion. You will score higher on this
criterion if you have established legal cooperative businesses. If your
State does not incorporate cooperative business entities, please
describe how the established business entity operates like a
cooperative.
e. Networking and regional focus (maximum score of 10 points). A
panel of USDA employees will evaluate your demonstrated commitment to:
1. Networking with other cooperative development centers, and other
organizations involved in rural economic development efforts, and
2. Developing multi-organization and multi-State approaches to
addressing the economic development and cooperative needs of rural
areas.
You will score higher on this criterion if you can demonstrate the
outcomes of your multi-organizational and multi-State approaches.
Please describe the project(s), partners and the outcome(s) that
resulted from the approach.
f. Commitment (maximum score of 10 points). A panel of USDA
employees will evaluate your commitment to providing technical
assistance and other services to under-served and economically
distressed areas in rural areas of the United States. You will score
higher on this criterion if you define and describe the underserved and
economically distressed areas within your service area, provide
economic statistics, and identify past or current projects within or
affecting these areas, as appropriate.
g. Matching Funds (maximum score of 10 points). A panel of USDA
employees will evaluate your commitment for the 25 percent (5 percent
for 1994 Institutions) matching funds requirement. A chart or table
should be provided to describe all matching funds being committed to
the project. However, formal documentation to verify all the matching
funds must be included in Appendix A of your application. You will be
scored on how you identify your matching funds.
1. If you met the 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 Institutions)
matching requirement, points will be assigned as follows:
In-kind only--1 point,
Mix of in-kind and cash--3-4 points (maximum points will
be awarded if the ratio of cash to in-kind is 30 percent and above of
matching funds), or
Cash only--5 points.
2. If you exceeded the 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 Institutions)
matching requirement, points will be assigned as follows:
In-kind only--2 points,
Mix of in-kind and cash--6-7 points (maximum points will
be awarded if the ratio of cash to in-kind is 30 percent and above of
matching funds), or
Cash only--10 points.
h. Work Plan/Budget (maximum score of 10 points). A panel of USDA
employees will evaluate your work plan for detailed actions and an
accompanying timetable for implementing the proposal. The budget must
present a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with cooperative
and business development activities as well as the operation of the
Center and allocate these costs to each of the tasks to be undertaken.
Matching funds as well as grant funds must be accounted for in the
budget.
You must discuss at a minimum:
1. Specific tasks (whether it be by type of service or specific
project) to be completed using grant and matching funds;
2. How customers will be identified;
3. Key personnel; and
4. The evaluation methods to be used to determine the success of
specific tasks and overall objectives of Center operations. Please
provide qualitative methods of evaluation. For example,

[[Page 24734]]

evaluation methods should go beyond quantitative measurements of
completing surveys or number of evaluations.
You will score higher on this criterion if you present a clear,
logical, realistic, and efficient work plan and budget.
i. Qualifications of those Performing the Tasks (maximum score of
10 points). A panel of USDA employees will evaluate your application to
determine if the personnel expected to perform key tasks have a track
record of:
1. Positive solutions for complex cooperative development and/or
marketing problems; or
2. A successful record of conducting accurate feasibility studies,
business plans, marketing analysis, or other activities relevant to
your success as determined by the tasks identified in the work plan;
and
3. Whether the personnel expected to perform the tasks are full/
part-time employees of your organization or are contract personnel.
You will score higher on this criterion if you demonstrate
commitment and availability of qualified personnel expected to perform
the tasks.
j. Local and Future Support (maximum score of 10 points). A panel
of USDA employees will evaluate your application for local and future
support. Support should be discussed directly within the response to
this criterion.
1. Discussion on local support should include previous and/or
expected local support and plans for coordinating with other
developmental organizations in the proposed service area or with state
and local government institutions. You will score higher if you
demonstrate strong support from potential beneficiaries and formal
evidence of intent to coordinate with other developmental
organizations. You may also submit a maximum of 10 letters of support
or intent to coordinate with the application to verify your discussion.
These letters should be included in Appendix B of your application and
will not count against the 40-page limit for the narrative.
2. Discussion on future support will include your vision for
funding operations in future years. You should document:
(i) New and existing funding sources that support your goals;
(ii) Alternative funding sources that reduce reliance on Federal,
State, and local grants; and
(iii) The use of in-house personnel for providing services versus
contracting out for that expertise. Please discuss your strategy for
building in-house technical assistance capacity.
You will score higher if you can demonstrate that your future
support will result in long-term sustainability of the Center.
k. Administrator Discretionary Points (maximum of 10 points). The
Administrator may choose to award up to 10 points to an eligible non-
profit corporation or institution of higher education who has never
previously been awarded an RCDG grant; and whose workplan and budget
seeks to help rural communities build robust and sustainable economies
through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and
innovation. Eligible applicants who want to be considered for
discretionary points must discuss how their workplan and budget
supports one or more of the five following key strategies:
Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America;
Improving Quality of Life;
Supporting a Rural Workforce;
Harnessing Technological Innovation; and
Economic Development.
2. Review and Selection Process
The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are
eligible for assistance based on requirements in 7 CFR part 4284,
subparts A and F, this Notice, and other applicable Federal
regulations. If determined eligible, your application will be scored by
a panel of USDA employees in accordance with the point allocation
specified in this Notice. The Administrator may choose to award up to
10 Administrator priority points based on criterion (k) in section E.1.
of this Notice. These points will be added to the cumulative score for
a total possible score of 110. Applications will be funded in highest
ranking order until the funding limitation has been reached.
Applications that cannot be fully funded may be offered partial funding
at the Agency's discretion. If your application is evaluated, but not
funded, it will not be carried forward into the next competition.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices
If you are selected for funding, you will receive a signed notice
of Federal award by postal mail from the State Office where your
application was submitted, containing instructions on requirements
necessary to proceed with execution and performance of the award.
If you are not selected for funding, you will be notified in
writing via postal mail and informed of any review and appeal rights.
You must comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, and notice
requirements before the grant award will be approved. There will be no
available funds for successful appellants once all FY 2018 funds are
awarded and obligated. See 7 CFR part 11 for USDA National Appeals
Division procedures.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this
program can be found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F; the Grants and
Agreements regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2
CFR parts 180, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421; 2 CFR parts 25 and 170; and 48
CFR 31.2, and successor regulations to these parts.
In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to have the
necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282)
reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are exempt
under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for this program:
Agency-approved Grant Agreement.
Letter of Conditions.
Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered
Transactions.''
Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered
Transactions.''
Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements (Grants).''
Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if
applicable.
Form AD-3031, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or
Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.'' Must be signed by
corporate applicants who receive an award under this Notice.
Institutions of Higher Education do not need to submit this form.

[[Page 24735]]

3. Reporting
After grant approval and through grant completion, you will be
required to provide the following:
a. An SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a project
performance report will be required on a semiannual basis (due 30
working days after end of the semiannual period). The project
performance reports shall include the following: A comparison of actual
accomplishments to the objectives established for that period;
b. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable;
c. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any,
which have affected or will affect attainment of overall project
objectives, prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude
the attainment of particular objectives during established time
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the situation; and
d. Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting
period.
e. Provide a final project and financial status report within 60
days after the expiration or termination of the grant.
f. Provide outcome project performance reports and final
deliverables.

G. Agency Contacts

If you have questions about this Notice, please contact the
appropriate State Office at http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. Program guidance as well as application and matching funds
templates may be obtained at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program. If you want to submit an
electronic application, follow the instructions for the RCDG funding
announcement located at http://www.grants.gov. You may also contact
National Office staff: Natalie Melton, RCDG Program Lead,
[email protected], or call the main line at 202-690-1374.

H. Nondiscrimination 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].

Dated: May 22, 2018.
Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11482 Filed 5-29-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P

24728 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Notices

members who either are its consumers, the Government. Applicants will be • They must be provided by either
producers, employees, or suppliers. required to complete Form AD–3030, the applicant or a third party in the form
‘‘Representations Regarding Felony of cash or an in-kind contribution.
B. Federal Award Information • They cannot include board/
Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status
Type of Award: Competitive Grant. for Corporate Applicants,’’ if you are a advisory council members’ time.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2018. corporation. Institutions of Higher • They cannot include other Federal
Total Funding: $5,800,000 Education are not required to submit grants unless provided by authorizing
Maximum Award: $200,000. this form. legislation.
Anticipated Award Date: September c. Applications will be deemed • They cannot include cash or in-
28, 2018. ineligible if the application includes any kind contributions donated outside the
C. Eligibility Information funding restrictions identified under grant period.
Section D.6.a. and b. Inclusion of • They cannot include over-valued,
Applicants must meet all of the in-kind contributions.
funding restrictions outlined in Section
following eligibility requirements.
D.6.a. and b. preclude the Agency from • They cannot include any project
Applications which fail to meet any of costs that are ineligible under the RCDG
these requirements by the application making a federal award.
d. Applications will be deemed program.
deadline will be deemed ineligible and • They cannot include any project
will not be evaluated further. ineligible if the application is not
costs that are unallowable under the
complete in accordance with the
1. Eligible Applicants applicable grant ‘‘Cost Principles,’’
requirements stated in Section C.3.e.
including 2 CFR part 200, subpart E,
You must be a nonprofit corporation 2. Cost Sharing or Matching and the Federal Acquisition Regulation
or an institution of higher education to (for-profits) or successor regulation.
Your matching funds requirement is
apply for this program. Public bodies • They can include loan funds from
and individuals cannot apply for this 25 percent of the total project cost (5
a Federal source.
program. See 7 CFR 4284.507. You must percent for 1994 Institutions). See 7 CFR • They can include travel and
also meet the following requirements: 4284.508. When you calculate your incidentals for board/advisory council
a. An applicant is ineligible if they matching funds requirement, please members if you have established written
have been debarred or suspended or round up or down to whole dollars as policies explaining how these costs are
otherwise excluded from or ineligible appropriate. An example of how to normally reimbursed, including rates.
for participation in Federal assistance calculate your matching funds is as You must include an explanation of this
programs under Executive Order 12549, follows: policy in your application or the
‘‘Debarment and Suspension.’’ The a. Take the amount of grant funds you contributions will not be considered as
Agency will check the System for are requesting and divide it by .75. This eligible matching funds.
Award Management (SAM) to determine will give you your total project cost. • You must be able to document and
if the applicant has been debarred or Example: $200,000 (grant amount)/.75 verify the number of hours worked and
suspended. In addition, an applicant (percentage for use of grant funds) = the value associated with any in-kind
will be considered ineligible for a grant $266,667 (total project cost). contribution being used to meet a
due to an outstanding judgment b. Subtract the amount of grant funds matching funds requirement.
obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court you are requesting from your total • In-kind contributions provided by
(other than U.S. Tax Court), is project cost. This will give you your individuals, businesses, or cooperatives
delinquent on the payment of Federal matching funds requirement. which are being assisted by you cannot
income taxes, or is delinquent on Example: $266,667 (total project cost) be provided for the direct benefit of
Federal debt. See 7 CFR 4284.6. The ¥ $200,000 (grant amount) = $66,667 their own projects as USDA Rural
applicant must certify as part of the (matching funds requirement). Development considers this to be a
application that they do not have an c. A quick way to double check that conflict of interest or the appearance of
outstanding judgment against them. The you have the correct amount of a conflict of interest.
Agency will check the Credit Alert matching funds is to take your total
project cost and multiply it by .25. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements
Interactive Voice Response System
(CAIVRS) to verify this. Example: $266,667 (total project cost) a. Purpose Eligibility
b. Any corporation that has been × .25 (maximum percentage of matching Your application must propose the
convicted of a felony criminal violation funds requirement) = $66,667 (matching establishment or continuation of a
under any Federal law within the past funds requirement). cooperative development center
24 months or that has any unpaid You must verify that all matching concept. You must use project funds,
Federal tax liability that has been funds are available during the grant including grant and matching funds for
assessed, for which all judicial and period and provide this documentation eligible purposes only (see 7 CFR
administrative remedies have been with your application in accordance 4284.508). In addition, project funds
exhausted or have lapsed, and that is with requirements identified in Section may be used for programs providing for
not being paid in a timely manner D.2.e.8. If you are awarded a grant, the coordination of services and sharing
pursuant to an agreement with the additional verification documentation of information among the centers (see 7
authority responsible for collecting the may be required to confirm the U.S.C 1932(e) (4) (C) (vi)).
tax liability, is not eligible for financial availability of matching funds.
assistance provided with funds Other rules for matching funds that b. Project Eligibility
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

appropriated by the Consolidated you must follow are listed below. All project activities must be for the
Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115– • They must be spent on eligible benefit of a rural area.
141), unless a Federal agency has expenses during the grant period.
considered suspension or debarment of • They must be from eligible sources. c. Multiple Application Eligibility
the corporation and has made a • They must be spent in advance or Only one application can be
determination that this further action is as a pro-rata portion of grant funds submitted per applicant. If two
not necessary to protect the interests of being spent. applications are submitted (regardless of

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Notices 24729

the applicant name) that include the g. Duplication of Current Services you do not wait until the application
same Executive Director and/or advisory Your application must demonstrate deadline date to begin the application
boards or committees of an existing that you are providing services to new process through Grants.gov.
center, both applications will be customers or new services to current You must submit all your application
determined not eligible for funding. customers. If your work plan and budget documents electronically through
is duplicative of your existing award, Grants.gov. Applications must include
d. Grant Period
your application will not be considered electronic signatures. Original
Your application must include a one- signatures may be required if funds are
year grant period, or it will not be for funding. If your workplan and
budget is duplicative of a previous or awarded.
considered for funding. The grant After electronically applying through
period should begin no earlier than existing RCDG and/or Socially
Grants.gov, you will receive an
October 1, 2018, and no later than Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG)
automatic acknowledgement from
January 1, 2019. Applications that award, your application will not be
Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov
request funds for a time period ending considered for funding. The Agency will
tracking number.
after December 31, 2019, will not be make this determination.
considered for funding. Projects must be b. Paper Submission
h. Indirect Costs
completed within a one-year timeframe. If you want to submit a paper
Your negotiated indirect cost rate application, send it to the State Office
Prior approval is needed from the
approval does not need to be included located in the State where your project
Agency if you are awarded a grant and
in your application, but you will be will primarily take place. You can find
desire the grant period to begin earlier
required to provide it if a grant is State Office Contact information at:
or later than previously discussed.
The Agency may approve requests to awarded. Approval for indirect costs http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/
extend the grant period for up to an that are requested in an application state-offices. An optional-use Agency
additional 12 months at its discretion. without an approved indirect cost rate application template is available online
However, you may not have more than agreement is at the discretion of the at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-
one active RCDG during the same grant Agency. services/rural-cooperative-development-
period. Further guidance on grant D. Application and Submission grant-program.
period extensions will be provided in Information c. Supplemental Information
the award document.
1. Address to Request Application Your application must contain all the
e. Completeness Package required forms and proposal elements
Your application will not be For further information, you should described in 7 CFR 4284.510 and as
considered for funding if it fails to meet contact your State Office at http:// otherwise clarified in this Notice.
an eligibility criterion by time of www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state- Specifically, your application must
application deadline and does not offices. Program materials may also be include: (1) The required forms as
provide sufficient information to obtained at http://www.rd.usda.gov/ described in 7 CFR 4284.510(b) and (2)
determine eligibility and scoring. You programs-services/rural-cooperative- the required proposal elements as
must include all of the forms and development-grant-program. You may described in 7 CFR 4284.510(c). If your
proposal elements as discussed in the also obtain a copy by calling 202–690– application is incomplete, it is ineligible
regulation and as clarified further in this 1374. to compete for funds. Applications
Notice. Incomplete applications will not lacking sufficient information to
be reviewed by the Agency. For more 2. Content and Form of Application determine eligibility and scoring will be
information on what is required for an Submission considered ineligible. Information
application, see 7 CFR 4284.510. You may submit your application in submitted after the application deadline
f. Satisfactory Performance paper form or electronically through will not be accepted. You are
Grants.gov. If you submit in paper form, encouraged, but not required to utilize
You must be performing satisfactorily any forms requiring signatures must the application template found at http://
on any outstanding RCDG award to be include an original signature. www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/
considered eligible for a new award. rural-cooperative-development-grant-
Satisfactory performance includes being a. Electronic Submission
program.
up-to-date on all financial and To apply electronically, you must use
performance reports as prescribed in the the Grants.gov website at http:// d. Clarifications on Forms
grant award, and current on tasks and www.Grants.gov. You may not apply • Standard Form (SF) 424—Your
timeframes for utilizing grant and electronically in any way other than DUNS number should be identified in
matching funds as approved in the work through Grants.gov. the ‘‘Organizational DUNS’’ field on SF
plan and budget. If you have any You can locate the Grants.gov 424, ‘‘Application for Federal
unspent grant funds on RCDG awards downloadable application package for Assistance.’’ In addition, you should
prior to fiscal year 2017, your this program by using a keyword, the provide the DUNS number and the
application will not be considered for program name, or the Catalog of Federal Commercial and Government Entity
funding. If your fiscal year 2017 award Domestic Assistance Number for this (CAGE) code and expiration date under
has unspent funds of 50 percent or more program. the applicant eligibility discussion in
than what your approved work plan and When you enter the Grants.gov
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your proposal narrative. If you do not
budget projected, at the time that your website, you will find information about include the CAGE code and expiration
fiscal year 2018 application is being applying electronically through the site, date and the DUNS number in your
evaluated, your application will not be as well as the hours of operation. application, it will not be considered for
considered for funding. The Agency will To use Grants.gov, you must already funding.
verify the performance status of FY 2017 have a DUNS number and you must also • Form AD–3030, ‘‘Representations
awards and make a determination after be registered and maintain registration Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax
the FY 2018 application period closes. in SAM. We strongly recommend that Delinquent Status for Corporate

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24730 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Notices

Applicants,’’ if you are a corporation. A for which the Center will provide support for the Center, particularly from
corporation is any entity that has filed services. Expected economic impacts sources in the private sector (should be
articles of incorporation in one of the 50 should be tied to tasks included in the presented under proposal evaluation
States, the District of Columbia, the work plan and budget; and criterion j., utilizing the specific
Federated States of Micronesia, the D. A statement that the Center, in requirements of Section E.1.j.);
Republic of Palau, and the Republic of carrying out its activities, will seek, B. Make arrangements for the Center’s
the Marshall Islands, or the various where appropriate, the advice, activities to be monitored and evaluated
territories of the United States including participation, expertise, and assistance (should be addressed under proposal
American Samoa, Guam, Midway of representatives of business, industry, evaluation criterion number h. utilizing
Islands, the Commonwealth of the educational institutions, the Federal the specific requirements of Section
Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, government, and State and local E.1.h.); and
or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Corporations governments. C. Provide an accounting for the
include both for profit and non-profit iv. The Agency has established annual money received by the grantee in
entities. Institutions of Higher performance evaluation measures to accordance with 7 CFR part 4284,
Education are not required to submit evaluate the RCDG program. You must subpart F. This should be addressed
this form. provide estimates on the following under proposal evaluation criterion
• You can voluntarily fill out and performance evaluation measures. number a., utilizing the specific
submit the ‘‘Survey on Ensuring Equal • Number of groups who are not legal requirements of Section E.1.a.
Opportunity for Applicants,’’ as part of entities assisted. vii. You should present the Work Plan
your application if you are a nonprofit • Number of businesses that are not and Budget proposal element under
organization. cooperatives assisted. proposal evaluation criterion number h.,
• Number of cooperatives assisted. utilizing the specific requirements of
e. Clarifications on Proposal Elements • Number of businesses incorporated Section E.1.h. of this Notice to reduce
1. You must include the title of the that are not cooperatives. duplication in your application.
project as well as any other relevant • Number of cooperatives
viii. You should present the Delivery
identifying information on the Title incorporated.
of Cooperative development assistance
Page. • Total number of jobs created as a
proposal element under proposal
2. You must include a Table of result of assistance.
• Total number of jobs saved as a evaluation criterion number b., utilizing
Contents with page numbers for each the specific requirements of Section
component of the application to result of assistance.
• Number of jobs created for the E.1.b. of this Notice.
facilitate review. ix. You should present the
3. Your Executive Summary must Center as a result of RCDG funding.
• Number of jobs saved for the Center Qualifications of Personnel proposal
include the items in 7 CFR 4284.510(c) element under proposal evaluation
(3), and discuss the percentage of work as a result of RCDG funding.
It is permissible to have a zero in a criterion number i., utilizing the specific
that will be performed among requirements of Section E.1.i. of this
organizational staff, consultants, or performance element. When you
calculate jobs created, estimates should Notice.
other contractors. It should not exceed
be based upon actual jobs to be created x. You should present the Local
two pages.
by your organization because of the Support and Future Support proposal
4. Your Eligibility Discussion must
RCDG funding or actual jobs to be elements under proposal evaluation
not exceed two pages and cover how
created by cooperative businesses or criterion number j., utilizing the
you meet the eligibility requirements for
other businesses as a result of assistance requirements of Section E.1.j. of this
applicant, matching funds, and other
from your organization. When you Notice.
eligibility requirements.
5. Your Proposal Narrative must not calculate jobs saved, estimates should xi. Your application will not be
exceed 40 pages and should describe the be based only on actual jobs that would considered for funding if you do not
essential aspects of the project. have been lost if your organization did address all the proposal evaluation
i. You are only required to have one not receive RCDG funding or actual jobs criteria. See Section E.1. of this Notice
title page for the proposal. that would have been lost without for a description of the proposal
ii. If you list the evaluation criteria on assistance from your organization. evaluation criteria.
the Table of Contents and specifically v. You can also suggest additional xii. Only appendices A–C will be
and individually address each criterion performance elements for example considered when evaluating your
in narrative form, then it is not where job creation or jobs saved may application. You must not include
necessary for you to include an not be a relevant indicator (e.g. resumes of staff or consultants in the
Information Sheet. Otherwise, the housing). These additional criteria application.
Information Sheet is required under 7 should be specific, measurable 6. You must certify that there are no
CFR 4284.510(c)(ii). performance elements that could be current outstanding Federal judgments
iii. You must include the following included in an award document. against your property and that you will
under Goals of the Project: vi. You must describe in the not use grant funds to pay for any
A. A statement that substantiates that application how you will undertake to judgment obtained by the United States.
the Center will effectively serve rural do each of the following. We would To satisfy the Certification requirement,
areas in the United States; prefer if you described these you should include this statement in
your application: ‘‘[INSERT NAME OF
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B. A statement that the primary undertakings within proposal
objective of the Center will be to evaluation criteria to reduce duplication APPLICANT] certifies that the United
improve the economic condition of rural in your application. The specific States has not obtained an unsatisfied
areas through cooperative development; proposal evaluation criterion where you judgment against its property, is not
C. A description of the contributions should address each undertaking is delinquent on the payment of Federal
that the proposed activities are likely to noted below. income taxes, or any Federal debt, and
make to the improvement of the A. Take all practicable steps to will not use grant funds to pay any
economic conditions of the rural areas develop continuing sources of financial judgments obtained by the United

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24732 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Notices

organization_registration.jsp for application processing. For purposes of allocation specified in this Notice.
instructions on the process of registering this determination, the grant amount Applications will be funded in rank
your organization as soon as possible to requested plus the matching funds order until the funding limitation has
ensure you can meet the electronic amount constitutes the total project been reached. Applications that cannot
application deadline. Grants.gov will costs. be fully funded may be offered partial
not accept applications submitted after We will consider your application for funding at the Agency’s discretion.
the deadline. funding if it includes ineligible costs of
1. Scoring Criteria
10 percent or less of total project costs,
5. Intergovernmental Review of if the remaining costs are determined Scoring criteria will follow criteria
Applications eligible otherwise. However, if your published at 7 CFR 4284.513 as
Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, application is successful, those supplemented below including any
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal ineligible costs must be removed and amendments made by the Section 6013
Programs,’’ applies to this program. This replaced with eligible costs before the of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
E.O. requires that Federal agencies Agency will make the grant award, or Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–234), which is
provide opportunities for consultation the amount of the grant award will be incorporated by reference in this Notice.
on proposed assistance with State and reduced accordingly. If we cannot The regulatory and statutory criteria are
local governments. Many States have determine the percentage of ineligible clarified and supplemented below. You
established a Single Point of Contact costs, your application will not be should also include information as
(SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. considered for funding. described in Section D.2.e.5.vi. if you
For a list of States that maintain a SPOC, choose to address these items under the
please see the White House website: 7. Other Submission Requirements scoring criteria. Evaluators will base
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp- a. You should not submit your scores only on the information provided
content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.- application in more than one format. or cross-referenced by page number in
2018.pdf. If your State has an SPOC, you You must choose whether to submit each individual evaluation criterion.
may submit a copy of the application your application in paper or The maximum amount of points
directly for review. Any comments electronically. Applications submitted available is 110. Newly established or
obtained through the SPOC must be on paper must be mailed or hand- proposed Centers that do not yet have
provided to your State Office for delivered to the State Office located in a track record on which to evaluate the
consideration as part of your the State where you are headquartered. following criteria should refer to the
application. If your State has not You can find State Office contact expertise and track records of staff or
established an SPOC, or if you do not information at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/ consultants expected to perform tasks
want to submit a copy of the contact-us/state-offices. To submit an related to the respective criteria.
application, our State Offices will application electronically, you must Proposed or newly established Centers
submit your application to the SPOC or follow the instruction for this funding must be organized well-enough at time
other appropriate agency or agencies. announcement at http:// of application to address its capabilities
www.grants.gov. A password is not for meeting these criteria.
6. Funding Restrictions required to access the website. a. Administrative capabilities
a. Project funds, including grant and b. National Environmental Policy Act. (maximum score of 10 points). A panel
matching funds, cannot be used for All recipients under this Notice are of USDA employees will evaluate your
ineligible grant purposes (see 7 CFR subject to the requirements of 7 CFR demonstrated track record in carrying
4284.10). Also, you shall not use project part 1970. However, technical assistance out activities in support of development
funds for the following: awards under this Notice are classified assistance to cooperatively and
• To purchase, rent, or install as a Categorical Exclusion according to mutually owned businesses. At a
laboratory equipment or processing 7 CFR 1970.53(b), and usually do not minimum, you must discuss the
machinery; require any additional documentation. following administrative capabilities:
• To pay for the operating costs of The Agency will review each grant 1. Financial systems and audit
any entity receiving assistance from the application to determine its compliance controls;
Center; with 7 CFR part 1970. The applicant 2. Personnel and program
• To pay costs of the project where a may be asked to provide additional administration performance measures;
conflict of interest exists; information or documentation to assist 3. Clear written rules of governance;
• To fund any activities prohibited by the Agency with this determination. and
2 CFR part 200; or c. Civil Rights Compliance 4. Experience administering Federal
• To fund any activities considered Requirements. grant funding no later than the last 5
unallowable by 2 CFR part 200, subpart All grants made under this Notice are years, including but not limited to past
E, ‘‘Cost Principles,’’ and the Federal subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act RCDGs. Please list the name of the
Acquisition Regulation (for-profits) or of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR Federal grant program(s), the amount(s),
successor regulations. part 15, subpart A) and Section 504 of and the date(s) of funding received.
b. In addition, your application will the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. You will score higher on this criterion
not be considered for funding if it does if you can demonstrate that the Center
E. Application Review Information has independent governance. For
any of the following:
• Focuses assistance on only one The State Offices will review applicants that are universities or parent
applications to determine if they are
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cooperative or mutually-owned organizations, you should demonstrate
business; eligible for assistance based on that there is a separate board of directors
• Requests more than the maximum requirements in 7 CFR part 4284, for the Center.
grant amount; or subparts A and F, this Notice, and other b. Technical assistance and other
• Proposes ineligible costs that equal applicable Federal regulations. If services (maximum score of 10 points).
more than 10 percent of total project determined eligible, your application A panel of USDA employees will
costs. The ineligible costs will NOT be will be scored by a panel of USDA evaluate your demonstrated expertise no
removed at this stage to proceed with employees in accordance with the point later than the last 5 years in providing

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24734 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Notices

evaluation methods should go beyond You will score higher if you can mail and informed of any review and
quantitative measurements of demonstrate that your future support appeal rights. You must comply with all
completing surveys or number of will result in long-term sustainability of applicable statutes, regulations, and
evaluations. the Center. notice requirements before the grant
You will score higher on this criterion k. Administrator Discretionary Points award will be approved. There will be
if you present a clear, logical, realistic, (maximum of 10 points). The no available funds for successful
and efficient work plan and budget. Administrator may choose to award up appellants once all FY 2018 funds are
i. Qualifications of those Performing to 10 points to an eligible non-profit awarded and obligated. See 7 CFR part
the Tasks (maximum score of 10 points). corporation or institution of higher 11 for USDA National Appeals Division
A panel of USDA employees will education who has never previously procedures.
evaluate your application to determine been awarded an RCDG grant; and
2. Administrative and National Policy
if the personnel expected to perform key whose workplan and budget seeks to
Requirements
tasks have a track record of: help rural communities build robust
1. Positive solutions for complex and sustainable economies through Additional requirements that apply to
cooperative development and/or strategic investments in infrastructure, grantees selected for this program can be
marketing problems; or partnerships and innovation. Eligible found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F; the
2. A successful record of conducting applicants who want to be considered Grants and Agreements regulations of
accurate feasibility studies, business for discretionary points must discuss the Department of Agriculture codified
plans, marketing analysis, or other how their workplan and budget in 2 CFR parts 180, 400, 415, 417, 418,
activities relevant to your success as supports one or more of the five 421; 2 CFR parts 25 and 170; and 48
determined by the tasks identified in the following key strategies: CFR 31.2, and successor regulations to
work plan; and Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural these parts.
3. Whether the personnel expected to America; In addition, all recipients of Federal
perform the tasks are full/part-time Improving Quality of Life; financial assistance are required to
employees of your organization or are Supporting a Rural Workforce; report information about first-tier
contract personnel. Harnessing Technological Innovation; subawards and executive compensation
You will score higher on this criterion and (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be
if you demonstrate commitment and Economic Development. required to have the necessary processes
availability of qualified personnel 2. Review and Selection Process and systems in place to comply with the
expected to perform the tasks. Federal Funding Accountability and
j. Local and Future Support The State Offices will review Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109–
(maximum score of 10 points). A panel applications to determine if they are 282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR
of USDA employees will evaluate your eligible for assistance based on 170.200(b), unless you are exempt under
application for local and future support. requirements in 7 CFR part 4284, 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
Support should be discussed directly subparts A and F, this Notice, and other
applicable Federal regulations. If The following additional
within the response to this criterion. requirements apply to grantees selected
1. Discussion on local support should determined eligible, your application
will be scored by a panel of USDA for this program:
include previous and/or expected local • Agency-approved Grant Agreement.
support and plans for coordinating with employees in accordance with the point
other developmental organizations in allocation specified in this Notice. The • Letter of Conditions.
the proposed service area or with state Administrator may choose to award up • Form RD 1940–1, ‘‘Request for
and local government institutions. You to 10 Administrator priority points Obligation of Funds.’’
will score higher if you demonstrate based on criterion (k) in section E.1. of • Form RD 1942–46, ‘‘Letter of Intent
strong support from potential this Notice. These points will be added to Meet Conditions.’’
to the cumulative score for a total
beneficiaries and formal evidence of • Form AD–1047, ‘‘Certification
intent to coordinate with other possible score of 110. Applications will
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and
developmental organizations. You may be funded in highest ranking order until
Other Responsibility Matters-Primary
also submit a maximum of 10 letters of the funding limitation has been reached.
Covered Transactions.’’
support or intent to coordinate with the Applications that cannot be fully
funded may be offered partial funding at • Form AD–1048, ‘‘Certification
application to verify your discussion. Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
These letters should be included in the Agency’s discretion. If your
application is evaluated, but not funded, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-
Appendix B of your application and Lower Tier Covered Transactions.’’
will not count against the 40-page limit it will not be carried forward into the
next competition. • Form AD–1049, ‘‘Certification
for the narrative.
Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
2. Discussion on future support will F. Federal Award Administration Requirements (Grants).’’
include your vision for funding Information
operations in future years. You should • Form RD 400–4, ‘‘Assurance
document: 1. Federal Award Notices Agreement.’’
(i) New and existing funding sources If you are selected for funding, you • SF LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying
that support your goals; will receive a signed notice of Federal Activities,’’ if applicable.
(ii) Alternative funding sources that award by postal mail from the State • Form AD–3031, ‘‘Assurance
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reduce reliance on Federal, State, and Office where your application was Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax
local grants; and submitted, containing instructions on Delinquent Status for Corporate
(iii) The use of in-house personnel for requirements necessary to proceed with Applicants.’’ Must be signed by
providing services versus contracting execution and performance of the corporate applicants who receive an
out for that expertise. Please discuss award. award under this Notice. Institutions of
your strategy for building in-house If you are not selected for funding, Higher Education do not need to submit
technical assistance capacity. you will be notified in writing via postal this form.

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Document Created: 2018-05-30 01:02:00
Document Modified: 2018-05-30 01:02:00

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Dates		Completed applications must be submitted on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines:
Contact		Grants Division, Cooperative Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop-3253, Room 4208- South, Washington, DC 20250-3253, (202) 690-1374.
FR Citation		83 FR 24726

83 FR 24726 - Inviting Applications for Rural Cooperative Development Grants

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURERural Business-Cooperative Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 104 (May 30, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service