83 FR 57401 - Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Inviting Applications for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2019
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 221 (November 15, 2018)
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 221 (November 15, 2018)
| Page Range | 57401-57406 | |
| FR Document | 2018-24938 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 57401-57406] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-24938] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Inviting Applications for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2019 AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice is to invite applications for loans and grants under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Programs for fiscal year (FY) 2019, subject to the availability of funding. This notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2019. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through appropriations. An announcement on the website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas will identify the amount received in the appropriations. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications. DATES: See under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. ADDRESSES: Submit applications in paper format to the USDA Rural Development State Office for the State where the Project is located. A list of the USDA Rural Development State Office contacts can be found at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Mason at (202) 690-1433, cindy.mason@wdc.usda.gov, and Sami Zarour at (202) 720-9549, sami.zarour@wdc.usda.gov, Specialty Programs Division, Business Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226, Room 4204-South, Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call 202-720-1400. For further information on this notice, please contact the USDA Rural Development State Office in the State in which the applicant's headquarters is located. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Agency encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force report to help improve life in rural America, [[Page 57402]] 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 Solicitation Opportunity Type: Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants. Announcement Type: Initial Solicitation Announcement. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.854. Dates: The deadline for completed applications to be received in the USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) are: Second Quarter, December 31, 2018; Third Quarter, March 31, 2019 and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2019. A. Program Description 1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the program is to promote rural economic development and job creation projects. 2. Statutory Authority. These Programs are authorized under 7 U.S.C. 940c and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. Assistance provided to Rural areas, as defined, under this program may include business startup costs, business expansion, business incubators, Technical assistance feasibility studies, Advanced telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational, and job training services, and Community Facilities Projects for economic development. Awards under the REDLG Programs will be made on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. Information required to be in the application package includes Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance;'' a Resolution of the Board of Directors; AD-1047, ``Debarment/Suspension Certification;'' AD-1049 ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements;'' SF LLL, Restrictions on Lobbying; RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement;'' RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement;'' Assurance Statement for the Uniform Act; Seismic Certification (if construction); and paperwork required in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, ``Environmental Policies and Procedures.'' If the proposal involves new construction; large increases in employment; hazardous waste; a change in use, size, capacity, purpose, or location from an original facility; or is publicly controversial, the following is required: Environmental documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970;'' RUS Form 7, ``Financial and Statistical Report;'' RUS Form 7a, ``Investments, Loan Guarantees, and Loans,'' or similar information; and written narrative of Project description. Applications will be tentatively scored by the State Offices and submitted to the National Office for review. 3. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this notice are published at 7 CFR 4280.3. 4. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in response to this notice based on the provisions found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A, and as indicated in this notice. However, the Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant bears the burden in preparing and submitting an application in response to this notice whether or not funding is appropriated for these Programs in FY 2019. B. Federal Award Information Type of Awards: Loans and Grants. Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2019. Available Funds: Anyone interested in submitting an application for funding under these Programs are encouraged to consult the Rural Development Notices of Solicitation of Applications website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas for funding information. Maximum Award: The Agency anticipates the following maximum amounts per award: Loans--$2,000,000; Grants--$300,000. Award Dates: Second Quarter, February 28, 2019; Third Quarter, May 31, 2019; and Fourth Quarter, August 31, 2019. Performance Period: October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020. Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None. C. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants Loans and grants may be made to any entity that is identified by USDA Rural Development as an eligible borrower under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (Act). In accordance with 7 CFR 4280.13, applicants that are not delinquent on any Federal debt or otherwise disqualified from participation in these Programs are eligible to apply. An applicant must be eligible under 7 U.S.C. 940c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any former Rural Utilities Service borrower that has repaid or prepaid an insured, direct, or guaranteed loan under the Act, or any not-for-profit utility that is eligible to receive an insured or direct loan under such Act shall be eligible for assistance under section 313(b)(2)(B) of such Act in the same manner as a borrower under such Act. All other restrictions in this notice will apply. The Agency requires the following information to make an eligibility determination. These applications must include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) An original and one copy of SF 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance (for non-construction);'' (b) Copies of applicant's organizational documents showing the applicant's legal existence and authority to perform the activities under the Grant; (c) A proposed scope of work, including a description of the proposed Project, details of the proposed activities to be accomplished and timeframes for completion of each task, the number of months duration of the Project, and the estimated time it will take from grant approval to beginning of Project implementation; (d) A written narrative that includes, at a minimum, the following items: (i) An explanation of why the Project is needed, the benefits of the proposed Project, and how the Project meets the Grant eligible purposes; (ii) Area to be served, identifying each governmental unit, i.e., tribe, town, county, etc., to be affected by the Project; (iii) Description of how the Project will coordinate economic development activities with other economic development activities within the Project area; (iv) Businesses to be assisted, if appropriate, and economic development to be accomplished; (v) An explanation of how the proposed Project will result in newly created, increased, or supported jobs in the area and the number of projected new and supported jobs within the next 3 years; (vi) A description of the applicant's demonstrated capability and experience in providing the proposed Project assistance, including experience of key staff members and persons who will be providing the proposed Project activities and managing the Project; [[Page 57403]] (vii) The method and rationale used to select the areas and businesses that will receive the service; (viii) A brief description of how the work will be performed, including whether organizational staff or consultants or contractors will be used; and (ix) Other information the Agency may request to assist it in making a grant award determination. (e) The last 3 years of financial information to show the applicant's financial capacity to carry out the proposed work. If the applicant is less than 3 years old, at a minimum, the information should include all balance sheet(s), income statement(s), and cash flow statement(s). A current audited report is required if available; (f) Documentation regarding the availability and amount of other funds to be used in conjunction with the funds from REDLG; and (g) A budget which includes salaries, fringe benefits, consultant costs, indirect costs, and other appropriate direct costs for the Project. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching For loans, either the Ultimate Recipient or the Intermediary must provide supplemental funds for the Project equal to at least 20 percent of the loan to the Intermediary. For grants, the Intermediary must establish a Revolving Loan Fund (or Fund) and contribute an amount equal to at least 20 percent of the Grant. The supplemental contribution must come from Intermediary's funds which may not be from other Federal Grants, unless permitted by law. 3. Other Applications will only be accepted for projects that promote rural economic development and job creation. There are no ``responsiveness'' or ``threshold'' eligibility criteria for these loans and grants. There is no limit on the number of applications an applicant may submit under this announcement. In addition to the forms listed under the program description, Form AD 3030 ``Representations Regulation Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants,'' must be completed in the affirmative. None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, 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, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, 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. None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, 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. 4. Completeness Eligibility Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing required elements. D. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package For further information, entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact the USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain copies of the application package. Prior to official submission of grant applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made by June 15, 2019. Technical assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted, a substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth analysis. 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 applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in the submitted application. Applications must be submitted in paper format. Applications submitted to a Rural Development State Office must be received by the closing date and local time deadline. All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from the requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. Please note that applicants must locate the downloadable application package for this program by the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number or FedGrants Funding Opportunity Number, which can be found at http://www.grants.gov. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission An application must contain all of the required elements. Each selection priority criterion outlined in 7 CFR 4280.42(b) must be addressed in the application. Failure to address any of the criterion will result in a zero-point score for that criterion and will impact the overall evaluation of the application. Copies of 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A, will be provided to any interested applicant making a request to a Rural Development State Office. An original copy of the application must be filed with the Rural Development State Office for the State where the Intermediary is located. The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete application are located in the Program Description [[Page 57404]] section of this notice, and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. There are no specific formats required per this notice, and applicants may request forms and addresses from the ADDRESSES section of this notice. (a) There are no specific limitations on the number of pages or other formatting requirements other than those described in the Program Description section. (b) There are no specific limitations on the number of pages, font size and type face, margins, paper size, number of copies, and the sequence or assembly requirements. (c) The component pieces of this application should contain original signatures on the original application. 3. Submission Dates and Times (a) Application Deadline Dates: No later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on: Second Quarter, December 31, 2018; Third Quarter, March 31, 2019; and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2019. Explanation of Dates: Applications must be in the USDA Rural Development State Office by the dates and times as indicated above. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. (b) The deadline date means that the completed application package must be received in the USDA Rural Development State Office by the deadline date and time established above. All application documents identified in this notice are required. (c) If completed applications are not received by the deadline established above, the application will neither be reviewed nor considered under any circumstances. (d) The Agency will determine the application receipt date based on the actual date postmarked. (e) If the grantee has a previously approved indirect cost rate, it is permissible, otherwise, the applicant may elect to charge the 10 percent indirect cost permitted under 2 CFR 200.414(f). Due to the time required to evaluate Indirect Cost Rates, it is likely that all funds will be awarded by the time the Indirect Cost Rate is determined. No foreign travel is permitted. Pre-Federal award costs will only be permitted with prior written approval by the Agency. (f) Applicants must submit applications in hard copy format as previously indicated in the Application and Submission Information section of this notice. If the applicant wishes to hand deliver its application, the addresses for these deliveries can be located in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. (g) If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). E. Application Review Information 1. Criteria All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated and scored based on the selection criteria and weights contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. Failure to address any one of the criteria by the application deadline will result in the application being determined ineligible, and the application will not be considered for funding. 2. Review and Selection Process The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on requirements contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. If determined eligible, your application will be submitted to the National Office. Funding of projects is subject to the Intermediary's satisfactory submission of the additional items required by that subpart and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions. The Agency reserves the right to award additional discretionary points under 7 CFR 4280.43. In order to distribute funds among the greatest number of projects possible, applications will be reviewed, prioritized, and funded by ranking each State's highest scoring Project in highest to lowest score order. The highest scoring Project from each State will be considered that State's Priority One Project. Priority One projects will be ranked according to score from highest to lowest. The second highest scoring Project from each State will be considered the State's Priority Two Project. Priority Two projects will be ranked according to score from highest to lowest and so forth until all projects have been scored and ranked in priority order. All Priority One projects will be funded before any Priority Two projects and so forth until funds are depleted, so as to ensure broad geographic distribution of funding. F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Federal Award Notices. Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from the Rural Development State Office. Applicants must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the loan/grant award can be approved. Provided the application and eligibility requirements have not changed, an application not selected will be reconsidered in three subsequent quarterly funding competitions for a total of four competitions. If an application is withdrawn, it can be resubmitted and will be evaluated as a new application. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Additional requirements that apply to intermediaries or grantees selected for these Programs can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. Awards are subject to USDA grant regulations at 2 CFR Chapter IV which incorporated the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations 2 CFR 200. All successful applicants will be notified by letter which will include a Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance. If the applicant wishes to consider beginning performance prior to the loan or grant being officially closed, all pre-award costs must be approved in writing and in advance by the Agency. The loan or grant will be considered officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter of Conditions have been met and the Agency obligates the funding for the Project. Additional requirements that apply to intermediaries or grantees selected for these Programs can be found in 7 CFR 4280, subpart A; the Grants and Agreements regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture codified in 2 CFR 400.1 to 400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, and successor regulations to these parts. In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards 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 intermediaries or grantees selected for these Programs: (a) Form RD 4280-2 ``Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement.'' (b) Letter of Conditions. (c) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.'' (d) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.'' (e) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions.'' [[Page 57405]] (f) Form AD-1048 ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions.'' (g) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace Requirement (Grants).'' (h) 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. (i) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.'' Each prospective recipient must sign Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement,'' which assures USDA that the recipient is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR part 15, and other Agency regulations. That no person will be discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin, in regard to any program or activity for which the recipient receives Federal financial assistance. That nondiscrimination statements are in advertisements and brochures. Collect and maintain data provided by Ultimate Recipients on race, sex, and national origin and ensure Ultimate Recipients collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, ``Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but should be available upon request by the Agency. The applicant and the Ultimate Recipient must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E. (j) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if applicable. (k) Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.'' 3. Reporting (a) A Financial Status Report and a Project performance activity report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis until initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based on the Federal fiscal year. The grantee will complete the Project within the total time available to it in accordance with the Scope of Work and any necessary modifications thereof prepared by the grantee and approved by the Agency. A final Project performance report will be required with the final Financial Status Report. The final report may serve as the last quarterly report. The final report must provide complete information regarding the jobs created and supported as a result of the Grant if applicable. Grantees must continuously monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives are being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to the Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter. The Project performance reports must include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for that period; (2) 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 Project work elements doing established time periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve the situation; and (3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting period. (4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and created, businesses assisted, or economic development which results in improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific requirements, should be placed in the reporting section of the Letter of Conditions. (5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the Project, the Intermediary will provide a final Project evaluation report. The last quarterly payment will be withheld until the final report is received and approved by the Agency. Even though the Intermediary may request reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements will be withheld until a final report, Project performance, and financial status report are received and approved by the Agency. (b) In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR 400.1 to 400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, the Intermediary or grantee must provide reports as required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) For general questions about this announcement, please contact your USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. H. Civil Rights 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, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Executive Order 13166 (Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974. I. Other Information Paperwork Reduction Act In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirement contained in this notice is approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0070. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a DUNS number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Similarly, all applicants must be registered in SAM prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM at http://www.sam.gov. All recipients of Federal financial grant assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170. 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 [[Page 57406]] 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: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Dated: November 7, 2018. Bette B. Brand, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. 2018-24938 Filed 11-14-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2018 / Notices 57401
Signed at Washington, DC, November 1, loan complies with all applicable DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
2018. statutes and regulations. Phase 2
Kevin L. Barnes, applications are required for Phase I Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Associate Administrator. applicants who score favorable and are
[FR Doc. 2018–24917 Filed 11–14–18; 8:45 am] invited to submit a Phase 2 application. Notice of Solicitation of Applications
The Agency anticipates the number of for Inviting Applications for the Rural
BILLING CODE 3410–20–P
respondents to fluctuate based on Economic Development Loan and
funding levels. Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2019
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Respondents: Respondents for this AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative
data are lending institutions and for- Service, USDA.
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
profit businesses but also include ACTION: Notice.
Notice of Revision of a Currently individuals and corporations. The
annual estimates below are for both SUMMARY: This notice is to invite
Approved Information Collection applications for loans and grants under
subparts associated with this rule.
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative the Rural Economic Development Loan
Service, USDA. Estimated Number of Respondents: and Grant (REDLG) Programs for fiscal
11. year (FY) 2019, subject to the
ACTION: Proposed collection; comments
requested. Estimated Number of Responses per availability of funding. This notice is
Respondent: 17.7. being issued in order to allow
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Estimated Number of Responses: 195. applicants sufficient time to leverage
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this financing, prepare and submit their
notice announces the Rural Business- Estimated Total Annual Burden on applications, and give the Agency time
Cooperative Service’s intention to Respondents: 3,631 hours. to process applications within FY 2019.
request an extension for a currently Comments: Comments are invited on: Successful applications will be selected
approved information collection. (a) Whether the proposed collection of by the Agency for funding and
DATES: Comments on this notice must be information is necessary for the proper subsequently awarded to the extent that
received by January 14, 2019 to be performance of the functions of the funding may ultimately be made
assured of consideration. Rural Business-Cooperative Service, available through appropriations. An
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: including whether the information will announcement on the website at http://
Thomas Dickson, Rural Development have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-
Innovation Center—Regulatory Team, the Rural Business-Cooperative solicitation-applications-nosas will
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Service’s estimate of the burden of the identify the amount received in the
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1522, proposed collection of information appropriations.
Washington, DC 20250, Telephone: including validity of the methodology All applicants are responsible for any
202–690–4492, email: Thomas and assumptions used; (c) ways to expenses incurred in developing their
Dickson@wdc.usda.gov. enhance the quality, utility and clarity applications.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: of the information to be collected; and DATES: See under SUPPLEMENTARY
Title: Biorefinery, Renewable (d) ways to minimize the burden of the INFORMATION section.
Chemical, and Biobased Product collection of information on those who ADDRESSES: Submit applications in
Manufacturing Assistance Program are to respond, including through the paper format to the USDA Rural
(Section 9003) use of appropriate automated, Development State Office for the State
OMB Number: 0570–0065. electronic, mechanical, or other where the Project is located. A list of the
Expiration Date of Approval: March technological collection techniques or USDA Rural Development State Office
31, 2019. other forms of information technology. contacts can be found at: http://
Type of Request: Revision of a Comments may be sent to Thomas www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-
currently approved information Dickson, Rural Development Innovation offices.
collection. Center—Regulatory Team, U.S. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Abstract: The purpose of this Department of Agriculture, Rural
information collection is to obtain Cindy Mason at (202) 690–1433,
Development, STOP 1522, 1400 cindy.mason@wdc.usda.gov, and Sami
information necessary to evaluate loan Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
applications to determine the eligibility Zarour at (202) 720–9549, sami.zarour@
DC 20250–1522. wdc.usda.gov, Specialty Programs
of the applicant and the project for the
program and to qualitatively assess the Copies of this information collection Division, Business Programs, Rural
project’s technical and financial merit to can be obtained from Kimble Brown, Business-Cooperative Service, U.S.
determine which projects should be Rural Development Innovation Center, Department of Agriculture, 1400
funded. Regulations Team, at (202) 692–0043 or Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226,
Estimate of Burden: The following email: Kimble.Brown@wdc.usda.gov. Room 4204–South, Washington, DC
annual estimates are based on an All responses to this notice will be 20250–3226, or call 202–720–1400. For
average volume of activity which summarized and included in the request further information on this notice,
includes; 10 Phase 1 applications, 8 for OMB approval. All comments will please contact the USDA Rural
Phase 2 applications, and 1 new loan Development State Office in the State in
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES
also become a matter of public record.
guarantees. Phase 1 applications are which the applicant’s headquarters is
Dated: November 1, 2018. located.
evaluated by the Agency to determine
whether the Borrower is eligible, the Bette B. Brand, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
proposed loan is for an eligible purpose, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Agency encourages applications that
there is reasonable assurance of Service. will support recommendations made in
repayment ability, there is sufficient [FR Doc. 2018–24929 Filed 11–14–18; 8:45 am] the Rural Prosperity Task Force report
Collateral and equity, and the proposed BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P to help improve life in rural America,
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![57406 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2018 / Notices
Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and evaluation period, applications will be • Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural
TTY) or contact USDA through the ranked based on the percentage of America
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. unserved households that the applicant • Developing the Rural Economy
Additionally, program information may proposes to serve. RUS will conduct at
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
be made available in languages other least two evaluation periods for FY
than English. 2019. Because the Agency will receive • Supporting a Rural Workforce
To file a program discrimination applications throughout the fiscal year, • Improving Quality of Life
complaint, complete the USDA Program subsequent evaluation periods can alter
Application Assistance
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD– the ranking of applications.
3027, found online at http:// In addition to announcing its RUS offers pre-application assistance,
www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ acceptance of FY 2019 applications, in which National Office staff and the
cust.html and at any USDA office or RUS revises the minimum and assigned General Field Representative
write a letter addressed to USDA and maximum amounts for broadband loans review the draft application, provide
provide in the letter all of the for the fiscal year. detailed comments, and identify areas
information requested in the form. To DATES: Applications under this NOSA where an application is not meeting
request a copy of the complaint form, will be accepted immediately through eligibility requirements for funding. The
call (866) 632–9992. Submit your September 30, 2019. RUS will process online application system allows RUS
completed form or letter to USDA by: loan applications as they are received. staff to assist an applicant with every
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of part of an application as it is being
Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Applications can only be submitted
online through the RD Apply website at developed. Once the application is
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 formally submitted, the online system
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-
services/rd-apply through September 30, will timestamp the submitted version
DC 20250–9410; and establish the application’s place in
(2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or 2019.
the processing queue.
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Based on the order in which the
USDA is an equal opportunity
Administrator, Loan Origination and applications are received, RUS will
provider, employer, and lender.
Approval Division, Rural Utilities review the application for completeness.
Dated: November 7, 2018. The applicant may be asked for
Bette B. Brand,
Service, Room 2844, STOP 1597, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, additional information to clarify aspects
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative
DC 20250–1597; telephone: (202) 720– of an otherwise complete application or
Service. to assist the Agency in the underwriting
0800, or email: shawn.arner@usda.gov.
[FR Doc. 2018–24938 Filed 11–14–18; 8:45 am] process. If the application is determined
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: to be complete, RUS will review the
General Information package for eligibility and technical and
financial feasibility, in accordance with
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE The Rural Broadband Access Loan 7 CFR part 1738. If an application is
and Loan Guarantee Program (the ultimately found to be incomplete or
Rural Utilities Service Broadband Program) is authorized by inadequate, a detailed explanation will
the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. be provided to the applicant.
Rural Broadband Access Loans and 901 et seq.), as amended by the
Loan Guarantees Program To further assist in the preparation of
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113–
applications, an application guide is
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. 79), also referred to as the 2014 Farm
available online at: https://
Bill.
ACTION:Notice of Solicitation of www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/
Applications (NOSA). During FY 2019, loans will be made
farm-bill-broadband-loans-loan-
available for the construction,
guarantees. An application guide may
SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service improvement, and acquisition of
also be requested from the RUS contact
(RUS), an Agency of the United States facilities and equipment that will
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Department of Agriculture (USDA), provide service at the Broadband
CONTACT section of this notice.
announces that it is accepting Lending Speed in eligible rural areas.
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2019 for Applications are subject to the Application Requirements: All
the Rural Broadband Access Loans and requirements of 7 CFR part 1738. No requirements for submission of an
Loan Guarantees Program (the funding for Guaranteed Loans is application under the Broadband
Broadband Program). RUS will publish available in FY 2019 and the agency Program are subject to 7 CFR part 1738.
the amount of funding received through will not be considering applications for Application Materials/Submission:
the final appropriations act on its this type of funding. Applications must be submitted through
website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/ The Agency encourages applications the Agency’s online application system
newsroom/notices-solicitation- that will support recommendations located at https://www.rd.usda.gov/
applications-nosas. made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force programs-services/rd-apply. All
RUS is accepting applications on a report to help improve life in rural materials required for completing an
rolling basis throughout FY 2019. This America which can be found at application are included in the online
will give RUS the ability to request www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity. system.
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES
additional information and Applicants are encouraged to consider Minimum and Maximum Loan
modifications to a submitted application projects that provide measurable results Amounts
whenever necessary. in helping rural communities build
Applications will be processed on a robust and sustainable economies Loans under this authority will not be
first come, first served basis. Every 90 through strategic investments in made for less than $100,000. The
days, RUS will conduct an evaluation of infrastructure, partnerships and maximum loan amount that will be
the submitted applications. During the innovation. Key strategies include: considered for FY 2019 is $25,000,000.
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Document Created: 2018-11-15 04:01:12
Document Modified: 2018-11-15 04:01:12
| 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 | See under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. | |
| Contact | Cindy Mason at (202) 690-1433, [email protected], and Sami Zarour at (202) 720-9549, [email protected], Specialty Programs Division, Business Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226, Room 4204-South, Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call 202-720-1400. For further information on this notice, please contact the USDA Rural Development State Office in the State in which the applicant's headquarters is located. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 57401 |
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