83 FR 45091 - OneRD Guaranteed Loan Platform
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Housing Service
Rural Utilities Service Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 172 (September 5, 2018)
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Housing Service
Rural Utilities Service
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 172 (September 5, 2018)
| Page Range | 45091-45093 | |
| FR Document | 2018-19101 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 45091-45093] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-19101] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Rural Housing Service Rural Utilities Service OneRD Guaranteed Loan Platform AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Request for information and notice of public listening sessions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), comprised of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces that it is hosting listening sessions for public input regarding development of a common platform to deliver four guaranteed loan programs. The Rural Development Innovation Center (IC) is holding these listening sessions specifically to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and other interested parties to offer their comments and input. DATES: Written Comments: Interested parties must submit written comments on or before October 22, 2018. Listening Sessions: Listening sessions will be held on September 10, 12, 14, 19, and 20, 2018. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for additional guidance and information on the listening sessions. ADDRESSES: Submit comments by any of the following methods.Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments; Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send your comment addressed to Michele Brooks, Team Lead, Regulations Management Team, Rural Development Innovation Center, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., STOP 1522, Room 5159, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Orally at the listening session; please also provide a written copy of your comments online as specified above or in hard copy at the listening session. Listening Sessions: To ensure maximum stakeholder involvement, six listening sessions are scheduled and will allow for in-person comments. The Listening Sessions Are as Follows West Region: Monday, September 10, 2018, Denver, Colorado. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time. Denver Federal Center, 6th Kipling, Building 25, Lecture Hall, Denver, Colorado. See https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/DFC_map_508_2014-0619.pdf for a map of the facility. To enter the facility, please be prepared to present a valid driver's license and current vehicle registration at the entrance gates. To participate remotely, please log on to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/yjoqkcys0pjm&eom. Participants are encouraged to use their computer's audio instead of phone lines, however the following toll number can be used: U.S. Toll: 303.248.0285. Access Code: 7207501. [[Page 45092]] South Region: Monday, September 10, 2018, Lexington, Kentucky. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Kentucky State Office, USDA Rural Development, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, Kentucky. To participate remotely, please log on to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/776hi2fw0o2u&eom. Participants are encouraged to use their computer's audio instead of phone lines, however the following toll number can be used: U.S. Toll: 303.248.0285. Access Code: 7207502. Midwest Region: Wednesday, September 12, 2018, Lake Ozark, Missouri. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The Lodge of Four Seasons, 315 Four Seasons Drive, Lake Ozark, Missouri. The Sea Chase Room. To participate remotely, please log on to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/2sgmfo5txt2a&eom. Participants are encouraged to use their computer's audio instead of phone lines, however the following toll number can be used: U.S. Toll: 303.248.0285. Access Code: 7207502. Northeast Region: Friday, September 14, 2018, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. East Stroudsburg University, Innovation Center, 562 Independence Rd., East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Innovation Center, Room 336. To participate remotely, please log on to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/26b0nffdxaoi&eom. Participants are encouraged to use their computer's audio instead of phone lines, however the following toll number can be used: U.S. Toll: 303.248.0285. Access Code: 7207502. National: Thursday, September 20, 2018, Washington, DC. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 1400 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20250. The meeting will be held in Room 107-A of the USDA Whitten Building. To participate remotely, please log on to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/gfyzg0zqobay&eom. Participants are encouraged to use their computer's audio instead of phone lines, however the following toll number can be used: U.S. Toll: 303.248.0285. Access Code: 7207502. Tribal Listening Session: A virtual listening session is scheduled for Wednesday, September 19, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To participate, please log on to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/qm9gmf0lse56&eom. Participants are encouraged to use their computer's audio instead of phone lines, however the following toll number can be used: U.S. Toll: 303.248.0285. Access Code: 7207502. If a Tribe would like to request government-to-government consultation regarding this rule, requests should be directed to RD's Native American Coordinator at [email protected] or (720) 544-2911. Registration: Registration is required for all sessions by sending an email to [email protected], and listing your name, title, email, city, state, organization, and session location. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Brooks at (202) 690-1078 or Jamie Davenport at (202) 720-0002. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720- 2600 (voice and TDD). Individuals needing assistance with ReadyTalk should follow the Technical Support link in the ReadyTalk Meeting Lobby. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On January 30, 2017, Executive Order 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs) and on February 24, 2017, Executive Order 13777 (Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda) were issued for action by the heads of all agencies. The Secretary of Agriculture and the respective USDA agencies, are working to implement the provisions of the Executive Orders to meet the needs of our customers and other stakeholders. In order to implement the provisions expeditiously and to ensure transparency, it is important to hear from stakeholders to be aware of their priorities and concerns. Rural Development is considering the development of a common platform to deliver four guaranteed loan programs. A common platform will be developed to provide policies and procedures for guaranteed loan making and servicing, lender reporting, and program monitoring. The intent is to simplify, improve and enhance the delivery of the Community Program Guaranteed loan program, the Water and Waste Disposal Guaranteed loan program, the Business and Industry Guaranteed loan program, and the Rural Energy for America Program guaranteed loans. The OneRD Guaranteed loan platform is anticipated to provide the following benefits: (1) Improve quality customer experience by streamlining and consolidating similar guaranteed loan programs; (2) Advance economic development and access to capital by reducing complexities and redundancies; (3) Improve operation efficiencies and cross-program coordination by enabling staff to learn all RD guaranteed loan programs; (4) Enable RD to integrate innovation in the delivery of loan guarantees and align with industry lending practices; and (5) Create a platform that paves the way for modern processing and servicing to improve portfolio management. Request for Comment Stakeholder input is vital to ensure that the OneRD Guaranteed loan platform will meet expectations and continue to support the mission of RD without overly burdening the agency's customers. Rural Development will hold the listening sessions as outlined in the ADDRESSES section of this notice to receive oral comments from stakeholders and the public. A written copy of the oral comments is requested. (See the ADDRESSES section above for information about submitting written comments.) In addition, those who do not wish to attend or speak at the listening session are invited to submit written comments. The following questions and discussion items are provided as examples of topics stakeholders may wish to provide comment on. Rural Development welcomes pertinent comments that are beyond the scope of these questions. Rural Development is requesting comment and discussion on the following topics: Automation/Application Process 1. What should the Agency do to simplify the application processes and standardize application requirements for its four loan guarantee programs? a. Are there portions of the required application components, such as the detailed preliminary engineering report or parts of it, that should be streamlined? 2. The Agency is considering an online application intake system for all guaranteed loans. a. What features would enhance your application submission experience? b. Are there any best practices or software solutions that have been successfully incorporated by your lending institution? c. In general, in the loan processing/servicing solution space, are there any practices or software shortcomings that the Agency should be aware of? d. What software solutions have been the most effective to avoid data breaches and maintain the integrity of your online systems? [[Page 45093]] Capital Markets What should the Agency consider that would enhance lenders' access to capital markets, improve market efficiencies and reduce risks of RD guaranteed loans sold on the secondary market? Credit Evaluation The Agency is considering amendments to key areas such as tangible balance sheet equity, format of financial statements, requirements for feasibility studies, and flexibility to consider project finance evaluation methods. Are there other credit evaluation enhancements which the Agency should consider that would better integrate existing lending practices into the OneRD Guaranteed loan platform? Lenders 1. Should the Agency consider establishing a certified lender or preferred lender program? If so, what are suggested lender qualification requirements and program features? 2. The Agency is considering a common platform of requirements for non-regulated lenders aimed at ensuring maximum participation while incorporating renewal provisions to ensure portfolio integrity. What specific challenges have non-regulated lenders faced under the existing program? Lender Financing Trends or Needs to be Considered 1. The OneRD Guaranteed loan platform aims to enhance flexibility across all included programs to support financing via the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC), investment tax credit (ITC), and other tax credit structures. a. Are there additional flexibilities that the Agency should consider to enhance financing opportunities through NMTC, ITC and other tax credit programs? b. What additional financing structures or trends are occurring that the Agency should be aware of to ensure maximum flexibility within the OneRD Guaranteed loan platform? Miscellaneous 1. What other issues should the Agency consider when implementing the OneRD Guaranteed loan platform? 2. What do you find burdensome about our current processes? Listening Sessions Rural Development will hold the listening sessions on the dates listed in DATES section of this notices. Oral comments received from this listening session will be documented. All attendees of the listening sessions who submit oral comments are requested to submit a written copy to help Rural Development accurately capture public input. In addition, stakeholders and the public who do not wish to attend or speak at the listing session are invited to submit written comments which must be received by the date indicated in the DATES section of this notice. At the listening sessions, the focus is for Rural Development to hear from the public; this is not a discussion with Rural Development officials or a question and answer session. As noted above, the purpose is to receive public input that Rural Development can factor into decisions it needs to make in order to implement the OneRD Guaranteed Loan platform. Each listening session will begin with brief opening remarks from USDA leadership in Rural Development. Individual speakers providing oral comments are requested to be succinct (the agency reserves the right to announce a time limitation at the beginning of each session based on attendance) as we do not know at this time how many participants there will be. As noted above, we request that speakers providing oral comments also provide a written copy of their comments. (See the ADDRESSES section above for information about submitting written comments.) All stakeholders and interested members of the public are welcome to register to provide oral comments; however, if necessary due to the time constraints, a limited number will be selected on a first come, first serve basis. During each of the listening sessions, those unable to participate in-person will be able to do so remotely via ReadyTalk web conferencing. Those participating through the ReadyTalk platform will be in listen only-mode, but will have the opportunity to submit comments via the Chat function. The Chat function will be moderated by USDA Rural Development. Each listening session will produce an audio recording and transcript, both of which will be utilized in the rule-making process. Instructions for Attending the Meetings Space for attendance at the meetings are limited. Registration is required for those attending in person by sending an email to [email protected] with the following information: First Name Last Name Organization Title City State Session Attending. Directions to get to the listening sessions, and how to provide comments is available by emailing [email protected]. All written comments received will be publicly available on www.regulations.gov. If you require special accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, use the contact information above. The listening session locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Dated: August 28, 2018. Anne Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary, USDA Rural Development. [FR Doc. 2018-19101 Filed 9-4-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 5, 2018 / Notices 45091
Electronic copies can be downloaded have land-grant university integrated Rural Business-Cooperative Service
or printed from http://go.usa.gov/TXye. pest management guidelines for one or (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS),
Requests for paper versions or inquiries more of their crops or cropping systems. and Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
may be directed to: Mr. Emil Horvath, Proposed Standard 594 offers resource announces that it is hosting listening
National Practice Standards Review protection using site-specific techniques sessions for public input regarding
Coordinator, Natural Resources designed to mitigate the impacts of development of a common platform to
Conservation Service, Central National chemical pest suppression on natural deliver four guaranteed loan programs.
Technology Support Center, 501 West resources. The Rural Development Innovation
Felix Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76115. Subsurface Drain (Code 606)—The Center (IC) is holding these listening
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The formatting and writing style were sessions specifically to provide an
amount of the proposed changes varies updated to meet current agency opportunity for stakeholders and other
considerably for each of the requirements. Sections of the standard interested parties to offer their
conservation practice standards were relocated and rearranged to comments and input.
addressed in this notice. To fully improve document flow. The minimum DATES:
understand the proposed changes, velocity has been raised to 0.8 feet-per- Written Comments: Interested parties
individuals are encouraged to compare second for areas without sedimentation must submit written comments on or
these changes with each standard’s problems. Provisions have been before October 22, 2018.
current version, which can be found at included for the use of square junction Listening Sessions: Listening sessions
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ boxes. will be held on September 10, 12, 14,
nrcs/detailfull/national/technical/cp/ Waste Facility Closure (Code 360)— 19, and 20, 2018. See the
ncps/?cid=nrcs143_026849. To aid in The formatting and writing style were SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
this comparison, following are updated to improve clarity. Criteria was additional guidance and information on
highlights of some of the proposed added to dry-waste storages to render the listening sessions.
revisions to each standard: the site unsuitable for stacking or
ADDRESSES: Submit comments by any of
Combustion System Improvement treating waste. Language was added to
the following methods.
(Code 372)—Revised language of the the standard to make it clear that the • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
general criteria and criteria applicable to standard is not used for the http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
the air quality and energy purposes to rehabilitation or expansion of existing online instructions for submitting
address some confusion encountered in facilities. comments;
Wildlife Habitat Planting (Code
the implementation of the practice. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery:
Dust Control on Unpaved Roads and 420)—This is a new conservation
Please send your comment addressed to
Surfaces (Code 373)—Relatively minor practice standard developed to better
Michele Brooks, Team Lead,
changes have been made to the 2010 address the technical complexities of
Regulations Management Team, Rural
version. Two purposes were added to establishing wildlife habitat, including
Development Innovation Center, USDA,
more adequately describe the reasons pollinator and monarch butterfly habitat
1400 Independence Ave., STOP 1522,
for using this practice: ‘‘improve plantings. Wildlife Habitat Planting
Room 5159, Washington, DC 20250–
visibility by reducing emissions of (420) will be planned and applied when
1522.
establishing herbaceous vegetation for
particulate matter;’’ and ‘‘improve plant • Orally at the listening session;
health and vigor by reducing emissions wildlife. Planting trees for wildlife will
please also provide a written copy of
of particulate matter.’’ be planned and applied using Tree and
your comments online as specified
Integrated Pest Management (Code Shrub Establishment (612).
above or in hard copy at the listening
595)—The standard definition and Signed this 28th day of August, 2018, in session.
purposes have been updated to reflect Washington, DC Listening Sessions: To ensure
current agency policy and science. The Leonard Jordan, maximum stakeholder involvement, six
standard has been edited to clarify Acting Chief, Natural Resources Conservation listening sessions are scheduled and
criteria, and support farmers and Service. will allow for in-person comments.
ranchers wanting to address resource [FR Doc. 2018–19145 Filed 9–4–18; 8:45 am]
concerns and implement an integrated The Listening Sessions Are as Follows
BILLING CODE 3410–16–P
pest management system where land- West Region: Monday, September 10,
grant-university guidelines are 2018, Denver, Colorado. 9:30 a.m. to
available. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 12:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
Nutrient Management (Code 590)— Denver Federal Center, 6th Kipling,
The revision has no significant Rural Business-Cooperative Service Building 25, Lecture Hall, Denver,
definition technical changes. Instead, it Colorado. See https://www.gsa.gov/
has a focus on improving the usability Rural Housing Service cdnstatic/DFC_map_508_2014-0619.pdf
of 590 at the operational level of the for a map of the facility. To enter the
agency (i.e. the State and field). The Rural Utilities Service facility, please be prepared to present a
formatting and writing style were valid driver’s license and current
updated to meet current agency OneRD Guaranteed Loan Platform vehicle registration at the entrance
requirements. Bullet point statements AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, Rural gates.
were used to specify single concepts Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural To participate remotely, please log on
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
and replace paragraphs containing Utilities Service, USDA. to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/yjoqkcys
multiple concepts. ACTION: Request for information and 0pjm&eom. Participants are encouraged
Pesticide Mitigation (Code 594)—A notice of public listening sessions. to use their computer’s audio instead of
new standard to support farmers and phone lines, however the following toll
ranchers wanting to address resource SUMMARY: The United States Department number can be used:
concerns created by the use of of Agriculture (USDA) Rural U.S. Toll: 303.248.0285.
pesticides in areas where they do not Development (RD), comprised of the Access Code: 7207501.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 5, 2018 / Notices 45093
Capital Markets attendees of the listening sessions who • State
What should the Agency consider that submit oral comments are requested to • Session Attending.
would enhance lenders’ access to submit a written copy to help Rural
Development accurately capture public Directions to get to the listening
capital markets, improve market
input. In addition, stakeholders and the sessions, and how to provide comments
efficiencies and reduce risks of RD
guaranteed loans sold on the secondary public who do not wish to attend or is available by emailing rd.innovation@
market? speak at the listing session are invited osec.usda.gov.
to submit written comments which must All written comments received will be
Credit Evaluation be received by the date indicated in the publicly available on
The Agency is considering DATES section of this notice. www.regulations.gov. If you require
amendments to key areas such as At the listening sessions, the focus is
special accommodations, such as a sign
tangible balance sheet equity, format of for Rural Development to hear from the
language interpreter, use the contact
financial statements, requirements for public; this is not a discussion with
Rural Development officials or a information above. The listening session
feasibility studies, and flexibility to locations are accessible to persons with
consider project finance evaluation question and answer session. As noted
above, the purpose is to receive public disabilities.
methods. Are there other credit
evaluation enhancements which the input that Rural Development can factor Dated: August 28, 2018.
Agency should consider that would into decisions it needs to make in order Anne Hazlett,
better integrate existing lending to implement the OneRD Guaranteed Assistant to the Secretary, USDA Rural
practices into the OneRD Guaranteed Loan platform. Development.
loan platform? Each listening session will begin with
[FR Doc. 2018–19101 Filed 9–4–18; 8:45 am]
brief opening remarks from USDA
Lenders leadership in Rural Development. BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
1. Should the Agency consider Individual speakers providing oral
establishing a certified lender or comments are requested to be succinct
preferred lender program? If so, what (the agency reserves the right to
announce a time limitation at the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
are suggested lender qualification
requirements and program features? beginning of each session based on
Foreign-Trade Zones Board
2. The Agency is considering a attendance) as we do not know at this
common platform of requirements for time how many participants there will
non-regulated lenders aimed at ensuring be. As noted above, we request that [B–28–2018]
maximum participation while speakers providing oral comments also
incorporating renewal provisions to provide a written copy of their Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 37—Orange
ensure portfolio integrity. What specific comments. (See the ADDRESSES section County, New York; Authorization of
challenges have non-regulated lenders above for information about submitting Production Activity; Takasago
faced under the existing program? written comments.) All stakeholders International Corp. (U.S.A.),
and interested members of the public (Fragrances), Harriman, New York
Lender Financing Trends or Needs to be are welcome to register to provide oral
Considered comments; however, if necessary due to On April 30, 2018, Takasago
1. The OneRD Guaranteed loan the time constraints, a limited number International Corp. (U.S.A.) submitted a
platform aims to enhance flexibility will be selected on a first come, first notification of proposed production
across all included programs to support serve basis. activity to the FTZ Board for its facility
financing via the New Market Tax During each of the listening sessions, within FTZ 37—Site 10, in Harriman,
Credit (NMTC), investment tax credit those unable to participate in-person New York.
(ITC), and other tax credit structures. will be able to do so remotely via The notification was processed in
a. Are there additional flexibilities ReadyTalk web conferencing. Those accordance with the regulations of the
that the Agency should consider to participating through the ReadyTalk FTZ Board (15 CFR part 400), including
enhance financing opportunities platform will be in listen only-mode,
notice in the Federal Register inviting
through NMTC, ITC and other tax credit but will have the opportunity to submit
programs? public comment (83 FR 20033, May 7,
comments via the Chat function. The
b. What additional financing 2018). On August 28, 2018, the
Chat function will be moderated by
structures or trends are occurring that USDA Rural Development. applicant was notified of the FTZ
the Agency should be aware of to ensure Each listening session will produce an Board’s decision that no further review
maximum flexibility within the OneRD audio recording and transcript, both of of the activity is warranted at this time.
Guaranteed loan platform? which will be utilized in the rule- The production activity described in the
making process. notification was authorized, subject to
Miscellaneous the FTZ Act and the FTZ Board’s
1. What other issues should the Instructions for Attending the Meetings regulations, including Section 400.14.
Agency consider when implementing Space for attendance at the meetings
Dated: August 28, 2018.
the OneRD Guaranteed loan platform? are limited. Registration is required for
2. What do you find burdensome those attending in person by sending an Andrew McGilvray,
about our current processes? email to rd.innovation@osec.usda.gov Executive Secretary.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
Listening Sessions with the following information: [FR Doc. 2018–19209 Filed 9–4–18; 8:45 am]
• First Name BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
Rural Development will hold the • Last Name
listening sessions on the dates listed in • Organization
DATES section of this notices. Oral • Title
comments received from this listening • Email
session will be documented. All • City
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Document Created: 2018-09-05 01:58:46
Document Modified: 2018-09-05 01:58:46
| 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 | Request for information and notice of public listening sessions. | |
| Dates | Written Comments: Interested parties must submit written comments on or before October 22, 2018. | |
| Contact | Michele Brooks at (202) 690-1078 or Jamie Davenport at (202) 720-0002. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720- 2600 (voice and TDD). | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 45091 |
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