83 FR 28610 - Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 119 (June 20, 2018)
Rural Utilities Service
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 119 (June 20, 2018)
| Page Range | 28610-28616 | |
| FR Document | 2018-13237 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 28610-28616] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-13237] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its Household Water Well System (HWWS) Grant Program funds availability and solicitation of applications application window for fiscal year (FY) 2018. RUS will make available $993,000 in grant funds to qualified private non-profit organizations to establish lending programs for homeowners to borrow up to $11,000 to construct or repair household water wells for an existing home. The HWWS Grant Program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1926e. Regulations may be found at 7 CFR part 1776. The Agency encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force report to help improve life in rural America which can be found at 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 DATES: The deadline for completed applications for a HWWS grant is July 20, 2018. Applications in either paper or electronic format must be postmarked or time-stamped electronically on or before the deadline. Late applications will be ineligible for grant consideration. Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to July 5, 2018. The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applications to seek clarification information on materials contained in the submitted application. ADDRESSES: Submit applications to the following addresses: 1. Electronic applications: http://www.grants.gov/. Submit electronic applications through Grants.gov, following the instructions on that website. 2. Paper applications: Water Programs Division, United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service, STOP: 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1570. Obtain application guides and materials for the HWWS Grant Program electronically or in paper format from the following addresses: 1. Electronic copies: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/household-water-well-system-grants; 2. Paper copies: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service, Water and Environmental Programs STOP: 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1570 or call (202) 720-9583. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Derek Jones, Community Programs Specialist, Water and Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1570; Telephone: (202) 720-9640, fax: (202) 690-0649, email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Funding Opportunity Title: HWWS Grant Program. Announcement Type: Grant--Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.862. Due Date for Applications: July 20, 2018. See Section D of this notice for details. Items in Supplementary Information A. Funding Opportunity: Description of the HWWS Grant Program. B. Award Information: Available funds, anticipated number of awards, length of project periods, assistance instrument. [[Page 28611]] C. Eligibility Information: Who is eligible, what kinds of projects are eligible, what criteria determine basic eligibility. D. Application and Submission Information: Where to get application materials, what constitutes a completed application, how and where to submit applications, deadlines, items that are eligible. E. Application Review Information: Considerations and preferences, scoring criteria, review standards, selection information. F. Award Administration Information: Award notice information, award recipient reporting requirements. G. Agency Contacts: Website, phone, fax, email, contact name. H. Non-discrimination Statement: USDA non-discrimination statement, how to file a complaint, persons with disabilities. A. Funding Opportunity 1. Program Description The HWWS Grant Program has been established to help individuals with low to moderate incomes finance the costs of household water wells that they own or will own. The HWWS Grant Program is authorized under Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT), 7 U.S.C. 1926e. The CONACT authorizes RUS to make grants to qualified private non-profit organizations to establish lending programs for household water wells. As the grant recipients, private non-profit organizations will receive HWWS grants to establish lending programs that will provide water well loans to individuals. The individuals, as loan recipients, may use the loans to construct, refurbish, and service their household well systems. A loan may not exceed $11,000 and will have a term up to 20 years at a one percent annual interest rate. 2. Background RUS supports the sound development of rural communities and the growth of our economy without endangering the environment. RUS provides financial and technical assistance to help communities bring safe drinking water and sanitary, environmentally sound waste disposal facilities to rural Americans in greatest need. Central water systems may not be the only or best solution to drinking water problems. Distance or physical barriers make public central water systems costly to deploy in remote areas. A significant number of geographically isolated households without water service might require individual wells rather than connections to new or existing community systems. The goal of RUS is not only to make funds available to those communities most in need of potable water but also to ensure that facilities used to deliver drinking water are safe and affordable. There is a role for private wells in reaching this goal. 3. Purpose The purpose of the HWWS Grant Program is to provide funds to private non-profit organizations to assist them in establishing loan programs from which individuals may borrow money for HWWS. Faith-based organizations are eligible and encouraged to apply for this program. Applicants must show that the project will provide technical and financial assistance to eligible individuals to remedy household well problems. Due to the limited amount of funds typically available under the HWWS Grant Program, the RUS anticipates that 10 applications may be funded from FY 2018 funds. Applications from existing HWWS grant recipients are acceptable and will be evaluated as new applications. B. Award Information Funding Instrument Type: Grant. Available Funds: $993,000. Anticipated Number of Awards: 10. Length of Project Periods: 12-month project. Assistance Instrument: Grant Agreement with successful applicants before any grant funds are disbursed. C. Eligibility Information 1. Eligibile Entities a. An organization is eligible to receive a HWWS grant if it: i. Has an active registration with current information in the System for Award Management (SAM) and has a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. ii. Is a private, non-profit organization. iii. Is legally established and located within one of the following: (1) A state within the United States. (2) The District of Columbia. (3) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (4) A United States territory. b. Has the legal capacity and authority to carry out the grant purpose. c. Has sufficient expertise and experience in lending activities. d. Has sufficient expertise and experience in promoting the safe and productive use of individually-owned HWWS and ground water. e. Has no delinquent debt to the Federal government or no outstanding judgments to repay a Federal debt. f. Demonstrates that it possesses the financial, technical, and managerial capability to comply with Federal and State laws and requirements, and g. Is not a corporation that has been convicted of a felony (or had an officer or agent acting on behalf of the corporation convicted of a felony) within the past 24 months. Any Corporation 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. 2. Ineligible Entities An individual is ineligible to receive a HWWS grant, however, an individual may receive a loan from an organization receiving a grant award. 3. Basic Eligibility Requirements for a Project a. To be eligible for a grant, the project must: i. Be a revolving loan fund created to provide loans to eligible individuals to construct, refurbish, and service individually-owned HWWS (see 7 CFR 1776.11 and 1776.12). Loans may not be provided for home sewer or septic system projects. ii. Be established and maintained by a private, non-profit organization. iii. Be located in a rural area. Rural area is defined as locations other than cities or towns of more than 50,000 people and the contiguous and adjacent urbanized area of such towns and cities. 4. Required Matching Contributions Grant applicants must provide written evidence of a matching contribution of at least 10 percent from sources other than the proceeds of a HWWS grant. In-kind contributions will not be considered for the matching requirement. Please see 7 CFR 1776.9 for the requirement. 5. Other Requirements a. DUNS Number. The applicant for a grant must supply a DUNS number as part of an application. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field for the DUNS number. The applicant can obtain the DUNS number free of charge by calling Dun and Bradstreet. Please see http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your organization's number. b. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant must register in System for Award Management (SAM). [[Page 28612]] i. Applicants may register for SAM at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. ii. The SAM registration must remain active with current information at all times while RUS is considering an application or while a Federal grant award or loan is active. To maintain the registration in the SAM database the applicant must review and update the information in the SAM database annually from date of initial registration or from the date of the last update. The applicant must ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, and complete. c. Eligibility to receive a HWWS loan will be based on the following criteria: i. An individual must be a member of a household of which the combined household income of all members does not exceed 100 percent of the median non-metropolitan household income for the State or territory in which the individual resides. Household income is the total income from all sources received by each adult household member for the most recent 12-month period for which the information is available. It does not include income earned or received by dependent children under 18 years old or other benefits that are excluded by Federal law. The non- metropolitan household income must be based on the 5-year income data from the American Community Survey (ACS) or, if needed, other United States Bureau of the Census data. RUS publishes a list of income exclusions in 7 CFR 3550.54(b). Also, the Department of Housing and Urban Development published a list of income exclusions in the Federal Register on May 20, 2014, at 79 FR 28938 (see ``Federally Mandated Exclusions''). ii. The loan recipient must own and occupy the home being improved with the proceeds of the Household Water Well loan or be purchasing the home to occupy under a legally enforceable land purchase contract which is not in default by either the seller or the purchaser. iii. The home being improved with the water well system must be located in a rural area. iv. The loan for a water well system must not be associated with the construction of a new dwelling. v. The loan must not be used to substitute a water well system for water service available from collective water systems. (For example, a loan may not be used to restore an old well abandoned when a dwelling was connected to a water district's water line.) vi. The loan recipient must not be suspended or debarred from participation in Federal programs. D. Application and Submission Information 1. Where To Get Application Information The HWWS Grant Application Guide (Application Guide), copies of necessary forms and samples, and the HWWS Grant Program regulation are available from these sources: a. Internet for electronic copies: http://www.grants.gov/ or http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/household-water-well-system-grants; b. Water and Environmental Programs for paper copies: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Water and Environmental Programs, Stop 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1570, Telephone: (202) 720-9589, Fax: (202) 690-0649. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission a. Rules and Guidelines b. Detailed information on each item required can be found in the HWWS Grant Program regulation (7 CFR part 1776) and the Application Guide. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read and apply both the regulation and the Application Guide. This Notice does not change the requirements for a completed application for any form of HWWS financial assistance specified in the regulation. The regulation and Application Guide provide specific guidance on each of the items listed. c. Applications should be prepared in conformance with the provisions in 7 CFR part 1776, subpart B, and departmental and other applicable regulations including 2 CFR parts 180, 182, 200, 400, and 421, or any successor regulations. Applicants should use the Application Guide which contains instructions and other important information in preparing their application. Completed applications must include the items found in the checklist in the next paragraph. 3. Checklist of Items in Completed Application Packages a. DUNS Number. The applicant for a grant must supply a Dunn and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of an application. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field for the DUNS number. The applicant can obtain the DUNS number free of charge by calling Dun and Bradstreet. Please see http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your organization's number. b. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant must register in the System for Award Management (SAM). i. Applicants may register for the SAM at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. ii. The SAM registration must remain active with current information at all times while RUS is considering an application or while a Federal Grant Award or loan is active. To maintain the registration in the SAM database the applicant must review and update the information in the SAM database annually from date of initial registration or from the date of the last update. The applicant must ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, and complete. iii. Your organization must be listed in the SAM. If you have not used Grants.gov before, you will need to register with the SAM and the Credential Provider. New registrations can take three to five business days to process. Updating or renewing an active registration has a shorter turnaround, 24 hours. Registrations in SAM are active for one year. The SAM registers your organization, housing your organizational information and allowing Grants.gov to use the information to verify your identity. The DUNS number, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and name and address of the applicant organization must match SAM data files. c. The electronic and paper application process requires forms with the prefixes RD and SF as well as supporting documents and certifications such as the following application items: i. SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' ii. SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.'' iii. SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' iv. SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activity.'' v. Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.'' vi. Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement (Under Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964).'' vii. Project Proposal, Project Summary, Needs Assessment, Project Goals and Objectives, Project Narrative. viii. Work Plan. ix. Budget and Budget Justification. x. Evidence of Legal Authority and Existence. xi. Documentation of private non-profit status and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Exempt Status. xii. List of Directors and Officers. [[Page 28613]] xiii. Financial information and sustainability (narrative). xiv. Assurances and certifications of compliance with other Federal Statutes. The forms in items i through vi must be completed and signed where appropriate by an official of your organization who has authority to obligate the organization legally. RD forms are used by programs under the RD mission area. Standard forms (SF) are used government-wide. In addition to the sources listed in section A, the forms may be accessed electronically through the RD website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications. See section V, ``Application Review Information,'' for instructions and guidelines on preparing Items vii through xiii. 4. Compliance With Other Federal Statutes The applicant must provide evidence of compliance with other Federal statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to the following: a. 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. b. 2 CFR part 417--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement), or any successor regulations. c. 7 CFR part 3052--Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non- profit Organizations, or any successor regulations. d. Subpart B of 2 CFR part 421, which adopts the Governmentwide implementation (2 CFR part 182) of the Drug-Free Workplace Act. e. Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.'' For information on limited English proficiency and agency-specific guidance go to http://www.lep.gov/. f. Federal Obligation Certification on Delinquent Debt. 5. Required Number of Application Copies a. Applications Submitted on Paper. Submit one signed original and two additional copies. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and have original signatures. Do not include organizational brochures or promotional materials. b. Applications Submitted Electronically. Additional paper copies are unnecessary if the application is submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov/. 6. How and Where To Submit an Application a. For paper applications, mail or ensure delivery of an original paper application (no stamped, photocopied, or initialed signatures) and two copies by the deadline date to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service, Water and Environmental Programs, STOP 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1570, Telephone: (202) 720-9583. Submit paper applications marked ``Attention: Water and Environmental Programs.'' Applications must show proof of mailing or shipping by one of the following: i. A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark; ii. A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the USPS; or, iii. A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. b. If a deadline date falls on a weekend, it will be extended to the following Monday. If the date falls on a Federal holiday, it will be extended to the next business day. c. Due to screening procedures at the Department of Agriculture, packages arriving via the USPS are irradiated, which can damage the contents and delay delivery. RUS encourages applicants to consider the impact of this procedure in selecting an application delivery method. d. For submitting electronic applications, the following applies: i. Applications will not be accepted by fax or electronic mail. ii. Electronic applications for grants will be accepted if submitted through Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov/. iii. Applicants must preregister successfully with Grants.gov to use the electronic applications option. Application information may be downloaded from Grants.gov without preregistration. iv. Applicants who apply through Grants.gov should submit their electronic applications before the deadline. v. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required passwords, credentialing, and software. Follow the instructions at Grants.gov for registering and submitting an electronic application. vi. Grants.gov has two preregistration requirements: a DUNS number and an active registration in SAM. See the ``Checklist of Items in Completed Application Packages'' for instructions on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in the SAM. vii. You must be registered with Grants.gov before you can submit an electronic grant application by going to the Grants.gov website at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. viii. Organization registration user guides and checklists are also available at Grants.gov. ix. Grants.gov requires some credentialing and online authentication procedures. When an applicant organization is registered with SAM, the organization designates a point of contact who receives a password authorizing the person to designate staff members who are allowed to submit applications electronically through Grants.gov. These authorized organization representatives must be registered with Grants.gov to receive a username and password to submit applications. These procedures may take several business days to complete. x. Some or all of the SAM and Grants.gov registration, credentialing and authorizations require updates. If you have previously registered at Grants.gov to submit applications electronically, please ensure that your registration, credentialing and authorizations are up to date well in advance of the grant application deadline. xi. To use Grants.gov: (1) Follow the instructions on the website to find grant information. (2) Download a copy of an application package. (3) Complete the package off-line. (4) Upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov website. (5) If a system problem or technical difficulty occurs with an electronic application, please use the customer support resources available at the Grants.gov website. (6) Again, RUS encourages applicants to take early action to complete the sign-up, credentialing and authorization procedures at Grants.gov before submitting an application at the website. 7. Deadlines The deadline for paper and electronic submissions is July 20, 2018. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than the closing date to be considered for FY 2018 grant funding. Electronic applications must have an electronic date and time stamp by midnight of July 20, 2018 to be considered on time. RUS will not accept applications by fax or email. Applications that do not meet the [[Page 28614]] criteria above are considered late applications and will not be considered. RUS will notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered. 8. Funding Restrictions a. Eligible Grant Purposes i. Grant funds must be used to establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to provide loans to eligible individuals for household water well systems. ii. Individuals may use the loans to construct, refurbish, rehabilitate, or replace household water well systems up to the point of entry of a home. Point of entry for the well system is the junction where water enters into a home water delivery system after being pumped from a well. iii. Grant funds may be used to pay administrative expenses associated with providing HWWS loans. b. Ineligible Grant Purposes i. Administrative expenses incurred in any calendar year that exceed 10 percent of the household water well loans made during the same period do not qualify for reimbursement. ii. Administrative expenses incurred before RUS executes a grant agreement with the recipient do not qualify for reimbursement. iii. Delinquent debt owed to the Federal Government does not qualify for reimbursement. iv. Grant funds may not be used to provide loans for household sewer or septic systems. v. Household Water Well loans may not be used to pay the costs of water well systems for the construction of a new house. vi. Household Water Well loans may not be used to pay the costs of a home plumbing system. E. Application Review Information 1. Criteria This section contains instructions and guidelines on preparing the project proposal, work plan, and budget sections of the application. Also, guidelines are provided on the additional information required for RUS to determine eligibility and financial feasibility. This year RUS will assign administrative discretion points to applications that: a. Direct loans to rural areas where according to the American Community Survey data by census tracts show that at least 20 percent of the population is living in poverty. b. Direct loans to areas which lack running water, flush toilets, and modern sewage disposal systems, and areas which have open sewers and high rates of disease caused by poor sanitation, in particular, colonias or Substantially Underserved Trust Areas. c. Direct loans to rural areas impacted by severe drought. 2. Project Proposal The project proposal should outline the project in sufficient detail to provide a reader with a complete understanding of the loan program. Explain what will be accomplished by lending funds to individual well owners. Demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed loan program in meeting the objectives of this grant program. The proposal should include the following elements: 3. Project Summary Present a brief project overview. Explain the purpose of the project, how it relates to RUS' purposes, how the project will be executed, what the project will produce, and who will direct it. 4. Needs Assessment To show why the project is necessary, clearly identify the economic, social, financial, or other problems that require solutions. Demonstrate the well owners' need for financial and technical assistance. Quantify the number of prospective borrowers or provide statistical or narrative evidence that a sufficient number of borrowers will exist to justify the grant award. Describe the service area. Provide information on the household income of the area and other demographical information. Address community needs. 5. Project Goals and Objectives Clearly state the project goals. The objectives should clearly describe the goals and be concrete and specific enough to be quantitative or observable. They should also be feasible and relate to the purpose of the grant and loan program. 6. Project Narrative The narrative should cover in more detail the items briefly described in the Project Summary. Demonstrate the grant applicant's experience and expertise in promoting the safe and productive use of individually-owned household water well systems. The narrative should address the following points: a. Document the grant applicant's ability to manage and service a revolving fund. The narrative may describe the systems that are in place for the full life cycle of a loan from loan origination through servicing. If a servicing contractor will service the loan portfolio, the arrangement and services provided must be discussed. b. Show evidence of the availability of funds from sources other than the HWWS grant. Describe the contributions the project will receive from your organization, state agencies, local government, other Federal agencies, non-government organizations, private industry, and individuals. The documentation should describe how the contributions will be used to pay your operational costs and provide financial assistance for projects. c. Demonstrate that the organization has secured commitments of significant financial support from other funding sources. d. List the fees and charges that borrowers will be assessed. 7. Work Plan The work plan or scope of work must describe the tasks and activities that will be accomplished with available resources during the grant period. It must include who will carry out the activities and services to be performed and specific timeframes for completion. Describe any unusual or unique features of the project such as innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary community involvement. 8. Budget and Budget Justification a. Use the Form SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs, to show your budget cost elements. The form summarizes resources as Federal and non-Federal funds and costs. ``Federal'' refers only to the HWWS Grant Program for which you are applying. ``Non-Federal'' refers to resources from your organization, state agencies, local government, other Federal agencies, non-government organizations, private industry, and individuals. Both Federal and non- Federal resources shall be detailed and justified in the budget and narrative justification. i. Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified in section B of the Budget Information form (SF-424A). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. ii. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived for all capital and administrative expenditures, the matching contribution, and other sources of funds necessary to complete the project. Discuss the necessity, [[Page 28615]] reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs. iii. If the grant applicant will use a servicing contractor, the fees may be reimbursed as an administrative expense as provided in 7 CFR 1776.13. These fees must be discussed in the budget narrative. If the grant applicant will hire a servicing contractor, it must demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open, and free competition. Recipients must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 134 (currently set at $100,000). iv. The indirect cost category should be used only when the grant applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Agriculture or another cognizant Federal agency. A grant applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the grant applicant is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, the grant applicant shall submit its indirect cost proposal to the cognizant agency immediately after the applicant is advised that an award will be made. In no event, shall the indirect cost proposal be submitted later than three months after the effective date of the award. 9. Evidence of Legal Authority and Existence The applicant must provide satisfactory documentation that it is legally recognized under state or Tribal and Federal law as a private non-profit organization. The documentation also must show that it has the authority to enter into a grant agreement with RUS and to perform the activities proposed under the grant application. Satisfactory documentation includes, but is not limited to, certificates from the Secretary of State, copies of State/Tribal statutes or laws establishing your organization, and copies of your organization's articles of incorporation and bylaws. Letters from IRS awarding tax- exempt status are not considered adequate evidence. 10. List of Directors and Officers The applicant must submit a certified list of directors and officers with their respective terms. 11. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Exempt Status The applicant must submit evidence of tax exempt status from the IRS. 12. Financial Information and Sustainability The applicant must submit pro forma balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements for the last three years and projections for three years. Additionally, the most recent audit of the applicant's organization must be submitted. 13. Evaluation Criteria Grant applications that are complete and eligible will be scored competitively based on the following scoring criteria: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Scoring criteria Points ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Degree of expertise and experience in Up to 30 points. promoting the safe and productive use of individually-owned household water well systems and ground water. Degree of expertise and successful Up to 20 points. experience in making and servicing loans to individuals. Percentage of applicant contributions. Points allowed under this paragraph will be based on written evidence of the availability of funds from sources other than the proceeds of a HWWS grant to pay part of the cost of a loan recipient's project. In-kind contributions will not be considered. Funds from other sources as a percentage of the HWWS grant and points corresponding to such percentages are as follows: 0 to 9 percent.................... ineligible. 10 to 25 percent.................. 5 points. 26 to 30 percent.................. 10 points. 31 to 50 percent.................. 15 points. 51 percent or more................ 20 points. Extent to which the work plan Up to 20 points. demonstrates a well thought out, comprehensive approach to accomplishing the objectives of this part, clearly defines who will be served by the project, and appears likely to be sustainable. Extent to which the goals and Up to 10 points. objectives are clearly defined, tied to the work plan, and measurable. Lowest ratio of projected Up to 10 points. administrative expenses to loans advanced. Administrator's discretion, considering such factors as: Creative outreach ideas for Up to 10 points. marketing HWWS loans to rural residents; factors include: 1. Directs loans to rural areas where according to the American Community Survey data by census tracts show that at least 20 percent of the population is living in poverty. Directs loans to areas which lack running water, flush toilets, and modern sewage disposal systems, and areas which have open sewers and high rates of disease caused by poor sanitation, in particular, Colonias or Substantially Underserved Trust Areas. 2. Areas impacted by severe drought. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13. Review Standards a. Incomplete applications as of the deadline for submission will not be considered. If an application is determined to be incomplete, the applicant will be notified in writing and the application will be returned with no further action. b. Ineligible applications will be returned to the applicant with an explanation. c. Complete, eligible applications will be evaluated competitively by a review team, composed of at least two RUS employees selected from the Water Programs Division. They will make overall recommendations based on the program elements found in 7 CFR part 1776 and the review criteria presented in this notice. They will award points as described in the scoring criteria in 7 CFR 1776.9 and this notice. Each application will receive a score based on the averages of the reviewers' scores and discretionary points awarded by the RUS Administrator. d. Applications will be ranked and grants awarded in rank order until all grant funds are expended. e. Regardless of the score an application receives, if RUS determines that the project is technically infeasible, RUS will notify the applicant, in writing, and the application will be returned with no further action. F. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices RUS will notify a successful applicant by an award letter accompanied by a [[Page 28616]] grant agreement. The grant agreement will contain the terms and conditions for the grant. The applicant must execute and return the grant agreement, accompanied by any additional items required by the award letter or grant agreement. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements a. This notice, the 7 CFR part 1776, and the application guide implement the appropriate administrative and national policy requirements. Grant recipients are subject to the requirements in 7 CFR part 1776. b. Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under the HWWS Grant Program shall not be used to fund inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations that receive direct assistance should take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under the HWWS Grant Program. Regulations for the Equal Treatment for Faith-based Organizations are contained in 7 CFR part 16, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities. 3. Reporting a. Performance Reporting. All recipients of HWWS Grant Program financial assistance must provide quarterly performance activity reports to RUS until the project is complete and the funds are expended. A final performance report is also required. The final report may serve as the last annual report. The final report must include an evaluation of the success of the project. b. Financial Reporting. All recipients of HWWS Grant Program financial assistance must provide an annual audit, beginning with the first year a portion of the financial assistance is expended. The Non- Federal Entity (formerly called Grantee) will provide an audit report or financial statements as follows: c. Non-Federal Entities expending $750,000 or more Federal funds per fiscal year will submit an audit conducted in accordance with 2 CFR part 200 or successor guidance. The audit will be submitted within nine months after the Non-Federal Entity's fiscal year ends. Additional audits may be required if the project period covers more than one fiscal year. d. Non-Federal Entities expending less than $750,000 will provide annual financial statements covering the grant period, consisting of the organization's statement of income and expense and balance sheet signed by an appropriate official of the organization. Financial statements will be submitted within 90 days after the Non-Federal Entity's fiscal year ends. e. Recipient and Subrecipient Reporting. The applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements for first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 in the event the applicant receives funding unless such applicant is exempt from such reporting requirements pursuant to 2 CFR 170.110(b). The reporting requirements under the Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR part 170 are as follows: i. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more in non-Recovery Act funds (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) must be reported by the Recipient to http://www.fsrs.gov/ no later than the end of the month following the month the obligation was made. ii. The Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (five most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if the Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ by the end of the month following the month in which the award was made. iii. The Total Compensation of the Subrecipient's Executives (5 most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Subrecipient (if the Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to the Recipient by the end of the month following the month in which the subaward was made. G. Agency Contacts 1. Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/household-water-well-system-grants. 2. Phone: Derek Jones, 202-720-9640. 3. Fax: 202-690-0649. 4. Email: [email protected]. 5. Main point of contact: Derek Jones, Community Programs Specialist, Water and Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture. H. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Dated: June 1, 2018. Kenneth L. Johnson, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2018-13237 Filed 6-19-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
![28610 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 119 / Wednesday, June 20, 2018 / Notices
disturbance to areas outside of priority considered; however, anonymous from the Agency, as long as such
habitat management areas. comments will not provide the Agency requests are made prior to July 5, 2018.
(10) Text within the compensatory with the ability to provide the The Agency will not solicit or consider
mitigation framework, including the use respondent with subsequent scoring or eligibility information that is
of no net loss or net conservation gain environmental documents. submitted after the application
elements, will be revised in order to Dated: June 12, 2018. deadline. The Agency reserves the right
promote landscape-scale effectiveness to contact applications to seek
Glen Casamassa,
by aligning the FS framework with BLM clarification information on materials
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest
and state-based compensatory System. contained in the submitted application.
mitigation systems. ADDRESSES: Submit applications to the
[FR Doc. 2018–13260 Filed 6–19–18; 8:45 am]
Scoping Process BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
following addresses:
1. Electronic applications: http://
The Forest Service is proposing www.grants.gov/. Submit electronic
amendments to 20 land management applications through Grants.gov,
plans to change some of the plan DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
following the instructions on that
components added to those plans in Rural Utilities Service website.
2015. Public involvement is important 2. Paper applications: Water Programs
for adding meaningful participation Announcement of Grant Application Division, United States Department of
from the early phases of planning Deadlines and Funding Levels Agriculture, Rural Development, Rural
through finalization of the plan Utilities Service, STOP: 1570, Room
amendments and subsequent AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
Notice of Funds Availability
ACTION:
2233–S, 1400 Independence Avenue
monitoring. A public participation SW, Washington, DC 20250–1570.
strategy has been designed to assist with (NOFA).
Obtain application guides and
communication within the Forest materials for the HWWS Grant Program
SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service
Service and between the Forest Service electronically or in paper format from
(RUS) announces its Household Water
and the public. Find the strategy here: the following addresses:
Well System (HWWS) Grant Program
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r4/ 1. Electronic copies: http://
funds availability and solicitation of
home/?cid=stelprd3843381. www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/
applications application window for
Lead and Cooperating Agencies fiscal year (FY) 2018. RUS will make household-water-well-system-grants;
If any further analysis and associated available $993,000 in grant funds to 2. Paper copies: U.S. Department of
decision documents for the Forest qualified private non-profit Agriculture, Rural Development, Rural
Service plan amendments are organizations to establish lending Utilities Service, Water and
completed, then the Forest Service will programs for homeowners to borrow up Environmental Programs STOP: 1570,
be the lead agency. Other federal, State, to $11,000 to construct or repair Room 2233–S, 1400 Independence
and local agencies, along with tribes and household water wells for an existing Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–
other stakeholders that may be home. The HWWS Grant Program is 1570 or call (202) 720–9583.
interested in or affected by the proposed authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1926e. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
action are invited to participate in the Regulations may be found at 7 CFR part Derek Jones, Community Programs
scoping process. If eligible, they may 1776. The Agency encourages Specialist, Water and Environmental
request or be asked by the Forest Service applications that will support Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Rural
to participate in the development of the recommendations made in the Rural Development, U.S. Department of
environmental analysis as a cooperating Prosperity Task Force report to help Agriculture, STOP 1570, Room 2233–S,
agency. The Forest Service will consult improve life in rural America which can 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
with Indian tribes on a government-to- be found at www.usda.gov/ Washington, DC 20250–1570;
government basis in accordance with ruralprosperity. Applicants are Telephone: (202) 720–9640, fax: (202)
Executive Order 13175 and other encouraged to consider projects that 690–0649, email: derek.jones@
policies. provide measurable results in helping wdc.usda.gov.
rural communities build robust and
Responsible Officials SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
sustainable economies through strategic
The responsible officials who would investments in infrastructure, Overview
approve plan amendments are the partnerships and innovation. Key Federal Agency: Rural Utilities
Regional Foresters for the strategies include: Service, USDA.
Intermountain, Rocky Mountain, and • Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural Funding Opportunity Title: HWWS
Northern Regions. America Grant Program.
• Developing the Rural Economy Announcement Type: Grant—Notice
Request for Comment • Harnessing Technological Innovation
of Funds Availability (NOFA).
The public is encouraged to comment • Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life Catalog of Federal Domestic
on the proposed action in this notice. Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.862.
The Forest Service will use an DATES: The deadline for completed
Due Date for Applications: July 20,
interdisciplinary approach as it applications for a HWWS grant is July
2018. See Section D of this notice for
20, 2018. Applications in either paper or
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
considers the variety of resource issues details.
and concerns. electronic format must be postmarked or
Comments received in response to time-stamped electronically on or before Items in Supplementary Information
this solicitation, including names and the deadline. Late applications will be A. Funding Opportunity: Description of the
addresses of those who comment, will ineligible for grant consideration. Prior HWWS Grant Program.
be part of the public record for this to official submission of applications, B. Award Information: Available funds,
proposed action. Comments submitted applicants may request technical anticipated number of awards, length of
anonymously will be accepted and assistance or other application guidance project periods, assistance instrument.
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![28616 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 119 / Wednesday, June 20, 2018 / Notices
grant agreement. The grant agreement official of the organization. Financial disability, age, marital status, family/
will contain the terms and conditions statements will be submitted within 90 parental status, income derived from a
for the grant. The applicant must days after the Non-Federal Entity’s fiscal public assistance program, political
execute and return the grant agreement, year ends. beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
accompanied by any additional items e. Recipient and Subrecipient civil rights activity, in any program or
required by the award letter or grant Reporting. The applicant must have the activity conducted or funded by USDA
agreement. necessary processes and systems in (not all bases apply to all programs).
place to comply with the reporting Remedies and complaint filing
2. Administrative and National Policy
requirements for first-tier sub-awards deadlines vary by program or incident.
Requirements
and executive compensation under the Persons with disabilities who require
a. This notice, the 7 CFR part 1776, Federal Funding Accountability and alternative means of communication for
and the application guide implement Transparency Act of 2006 in the event program information (e.g., Braille, large
the appropriate administrative and the applicant receives funding unless print, audiotape, American Sign
national policy requirements. Grant such applicant is exempt from such Language, etc.) should contact the
recipients are subject to the reporting requirements pursuant to 2 responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET
requirements in 7 CFR part 1776. CFR 170.110(b). The reporting Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
b. Direct Federal grants, sub-award requirements under the Transparency TTY) or contact USDA through the
funds, or contracts under the HWWS Act pursuant to 2 CFR part 170 are as Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
Grant Program shall not be used to fund follows: Additionally, program information may
inherently religious activities, such as i. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or be made available in languages other
worship, religious instruction, or more in non-Recovery Act funds (unless than English.
proselytization. Therefore, organizations they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) To file a program discrimination
that receive direct assistance should must be reported by the Recipient to complaint, complete the USDA Program
take steps to separate, in time or http://www.fsrs.gov/ no later than the Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
location, their inherently religious end of the month following the month 3027, found online at http://
activities from the services funded the obligation was made. www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_
under the HWWS Grant Program. ii. The Total Compensation of the cust.html and at any USDA office or
Regulations for the Equal Treatment for Recipient’s Executives (five most highly write a letter addressed to USDA and
Faith-based Organizations are contained compensated executives) must be provide in the letter all of the
in 7 CFR part 16, which includes the reported by the Recipient (if the information requested in the form. To
prohibition against Federal funding of Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR request a copy of the complaint form,
inherently religious activities. part 170) to https://www.sam.gov/ call (866) 632–9992. Submit your
3. Reporting portal/public/SAM/ by the end of the completed form or letter to USDA by:
month following the month in which (1) Mail: U.S. Department of
a. Performance Reporting. All the award was made. Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
recipients of HWWS Grant Program iii. The Total Compensation of the Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
financial assistance must provide Subrecipient’s Executives (5 most Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
quarterly performance activity reports to highly compensated executives) must be DC 20250–9410;
RUS until the project is complete and reported by the Subrecipient (if the (2) fax: (202) 690–7442; or
the funds are expended. A final Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
performance report is also required. The CFR part 170) to the Recipient by the USDA is an equal opportunity
final report may serve as the last annual end of the month following the month provider, employer, and lender.
report. The final report must include an in which the subaward was made. Dated: June 1, 2018.
evaluation of the success of the project.
b. Financial Reporting. All recipients G. Agency Contacts Kenneth L. Johnson,
of HWWS Grant Program financial 1. Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/ Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
assistance must provide an annual programs-services/household-water- [FR Doc. 2018–13237 Filed 6–19–18; 8:45 am]
audit, beginning with the first year a well-system-grants. BILLING CODE P
portion of the financial assistance is 2. Phone: Derek Jones, 202–720–9640.
expended. The Non-Federal Entity 3. Fax: 202–690–0649.
(formerly called Grantee) will provide 4. Email: derek.jones@wdc.usda.gov. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
an audit report or financial statements 5. Main point of contact: Derek Jones,
as follows: Community Programs Specialist, Water Rural Utilities Service
c. Non-Federal Entities expending and Environmental Programs, Rural
Announcement of Grant and Loan
$750,000 or more Federal funds per Utilities Service, Rural Development,
Application Deadlines
fiscal year will submit an audit U.S. Department of Agriculture.
conducted in accordance with 2 CFR AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
part 200 or successor guidance. The H. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
ACTION: Notice of funds availability and
audit will be submitted within nine In accordance with Federal civil solicitation of applications (NOFA).
months after the Non-Federal Entity’s rights law and U.S. Department of
fiscal year ends. Additional audits may Agriculture (USDA) civil rights SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service
regulations and policies, the USDA, its (RUS) announces its Revolving Fund
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
be required if the project period covers
more than one fiscal year. Agencies, offices, and employees, and Program (RFP) application window and
d. Non-Federal Entities expending institutions participating in or funds availability for Fiscal Year (FY)
less than $750,000 will provide annual administering USDA programs are 2018. The Agency will make available
financial statements covering the grant prohibited from discriminating based on $1,000,000 in grant funds to qualified
period, consisting of the organization’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, private, non-profit organizations to
statement of income and expense and gender identity (including gender establish a lending program for eligible
balance sheet signed by an appropriate expression), sexual orientation, entities. The Agency encourages
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Document Created: 2018-06-20 00:19:57
Document Modified: 2018-06-20 00:19:57
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). | |
| Dates | The deadline for completed applications for a HWWS grant is July 20, 2018. Applications in either paper or electronic format must be postmarked or time-stamped electronically on or before the deadline. Late applications will be ineligible for grant consideration. Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to July 5, 2018. The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applications to seek clarification information on materials contained in the submitted application. | |
| Contact | Derek Jones, Community Programs Specialist, Water and Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1570; Telephone: (202) 720-9640, fax: (202) 690-0649, email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 28610 |
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