[Federal Register: June 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 116)]
[Notices]
[Page 35843-35848]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17jn03-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Request for Applications (RFA): Community Outreach and Assistance
Partnership Program
ACTION: Announcement of availability of funds and request for
applications for the Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership
Program.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 522(d) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (Act), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC),
operating through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces the
availability of up to approximately $3.5 million in fiscal year (FY)
2003 for collaborative outreach and assistance programs for women,
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-
served farmers and ranchers, who produce agricultural commodities
covered by the noninsured crop disaster assistance program (7 U.S.C.
7333); specialty crops; and under served commodities (For purposes of
this announcement, these commodities are collectively referred to as
``Priority Commodities''). Awards under this program will be made on a
competitive basis for projects of up to one year. Recipients of awards
must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a partnership agreement
and must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the project.
This announcement lists the information needed to submit an application
under this program.
Closing Dates: The closing date and time for receipt of
applications under this RFA is 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 1, 2003.
Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated by the
technical review panel.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested
parties are encouraged to contact: Marie Buchanan, National Outreach
Program Manager, Telephone (202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, E-
mail: Marie.Buchanan@usda.gov. You may also obtain additional
information regarding this announcement from the RMA Web site at http://www.rma.usda.gov.
Applicants may download an application package for
the community outreach and assistance partnership program from the Risk
Management Agency (RMA) Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov.
Applicants may also request an application package from: Marie
Buchanan, USDA'RMA, Community Outreach and Assistance Program, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6709, Stop 0805, Washington, DC 20250-
0805. Telephone (202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, E-mail:
Marie.Buchanan@usda.gov. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed and signed
application packages using overnight mail or delivery service to ensure
timely receipt by the USDA. The applicable address for such submissions
is: USDA-RMA, Community Outreach and Assistance Programs, c/o Marie
Buchanan, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6709, Stop 0805,
Washington, DC 20250-0805.
Completed and signed application packages sent via the U.S. Postal
Service must also be sent to the above address. Applicants using the
U.S. Postal Service should allow for extra security-processing time for
mail delivered to government offices.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as
amended (44 U.S.C. chapter 25), the collection of information
requirements contained in this announcement have been approved under
OMB Document Nos. 0348-0043, 0348-0044, and 0348-0046 and 0348-0040.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for these
programs is 10.450.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of six parts:
Part I. General Information
A. Legislative Authority
B. Background
C. Project Goal
D. Purpose
E Definition of Priority Commodities
Part II. Eligibility/Funding
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Non-financial Benefits
C. Project Period
D. Availability of Funds and Amounts
Part III. Program Description
A. Recipient Activities
B. RMA Activities
C. Other Activities
Part IV--Preparation of an Application
A. Program Application Materials
B. Content of Applications
C. Submission of Applications
D. Acknowledgement of Applications
Part V--Review Process
A. General
B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights
C. Confidentiality
Part VI--Additional Information
A. Requirement to Use Program Logo
B. Requirement to Provide Project Information to an RMA
representative
C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflicts
of Interest
D. Access to Panel Review Information
E. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards
F. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
G. Reporting Requirements
H. Audit Requirements
I. Prohibitions and Requirements with Regard to Lobbying
J. Applicable OMB Circulars
[[Page 35844]]
Part I--Information for the Community Outreach and Assistance
Partnership Program
A. General Information
1. Authority
This program is authorized under section 522(d)(3)(F) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act).
2. Background
RMA promotes and regulates sound risk management solutions to
improve the economic stability of American agriculture. On behalf of
FCIC, RMA does this by offering Federal crop insurance products through
a network of private-sector partners, overseeing the creation of new
risk management products, seeking enhancements in existing products,
ensuring the integrity of crop insurance programs, offering outreach
programs aimed at equal access and participation of underserved
communities, and providing risk management education and information.
One of RMA's four strategic goals is to ensure that its customers
are well informed as to the risk management solutions available. This
educational goal is supported by section 522(d)(3)(F) of the Act, which
authorizes FCIC funding for risk management training and informational
efforts for agricultural producers through the formation of
partnerships with public and private organizations. With respect to
such partnerships, a priority is to be given to producers of Priority
Commodities (as specified in subsection 5 of this section).
3. Project Goal
The goal of this program is to ensure that `` * * * producers will
be better able to use financial management, crop insurance, marketing
contracts, and other existing and emerging risk management tools.''
4. Purpose
The purpose of the Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership
Program is to ensure that women, limited resource, socially
disadvantaged, and other traditionally underserved producers of
priority commodities are provided information and training necessary to
use financial management, crop insurance, marketing contracts, and
other existing and emerging risk management tools.
Each partnership agreement awarded through this program will
provide the applicant with funds, guidance, and the substantial
involvement of RMA to carry out an outreach and assistance program for
producers in a specific geographical area.
5. Definition of Priority Commodities
For purposes of this program, Priority Commodities are defined as:
[sbull] Agricultural commodities covered by (7 U.S.C. 7333).
Commodities in this group are commercial crops that are not covered by
catastrophic risk protection crop insurance, are used for food or fiber
(except livestock), and specifically include, but are not limited to,
floricultural, ornamental nursery, Christmas trees, turf grass sod,
aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops.
[sbull] Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may or may not
be covered under a Federal crop insurance plan and include, but are not
limited to, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, roots, herbs,
and highly specialized varieties of traditional crops.
[sbull] Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a)
commodities, including livestock and forage, that are covered by a
Federal crop insurance plan but for which participation in an area is
below the national average; and (b) commodities, including livestock,
with inadequate crop insurance coverage produced by women, limited
resource, socially disadvantaged, or beginning farmers and ranchers.
A project is considered as giving priority to Priority Commodities
if the majority of the outreach and educational activities of the
project are directed to producers of any of the three classes of
commodities listed above or any combination of the three classes.
Part II-- Eligibility/Funding
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include educational institutions, community
based organizations, associations of farmers, ranchers and other
nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capabilities in developing
and implementing risk management and other marketing options for
priority commodities. Individuals are not eligible applicants.
Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with other entities that
complement, enhance and/or increase the effectiveness and efficiency of
the proposed project.
Although an applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based
on its status as an eligible entity, other factors may exclude an
applicant from receiving Federal assistance under this program (e.g.
debarment and suspension; a determination of non-performance on a prior
contract, cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination
of a violation of applicable ethical standards).
2. Non-financial Benefits
To be eligible, applicants must also be able to demonstrate that
they will receive a non-financial benefit as a result of a partnership
agreement. Non-financial benefits must accrue to the applicant and must
include more than the ability to provide employment income to the
applicant or for the applicant's employees or the community. The
applicant must demonstrate that performance under the partnership
agreement will further the specific mission of the applicant (such as
providing research or activities necessary for graduate or other
students to complete their educational program).
3. Project Period
Each project will be funded for a period of up to one year from the
project starting date for the activities described in this
announcement.
4. Availability of Funds and Amounts
The amount of funds available in FY 2003 for support of partnership
agreement awards under this program is up to approximately $3.5
million. There is no commitment by USDA/RMA to fund any particular
project or to make a specific number of awards. Applicants awarded a
partnership agreement for an amount that is less than the amount
requested will be required to modify their application to conform to
the reduced amount before execution of the partnership agreement. No
maximum or minimum funding levels have been established for individual
projects or geographic locations. It is expected that the awards will
be made approximately 60 days after the application deadline. All
awards will be made and agreements completed no later than September
30, 2003.
Those applicants awarded partnership agreements require a match of
ten (10) percent of the award amount. The applicant's contribution must
be from non-federal funds and can be cash or in-kind.
Partnership agreement funds may not be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility including a processing facility;
2. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
3. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
4. Pay for the preparation of the partnership application;
5. Fund political activities;
6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this partnership
agreement;
7. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR Parts 3015 and 3019, as
applicable.
[[Page 35845]]
Part III--Program Description
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this
program, the award recipient will be responsible for the activities
listed under paragraph 1 of this part. FCIC, working through RMA, will
be substantially involved in the activities listed under paragraph 2.
1. Recipient Activities
Award recipients will be required to perform the following
activities:
[sbull] Finalize an outreach delivery plan that will accomplish the
purpose of this program. The plan must describe the manner in which
various tasks for the project will be completed, the dates by which
each task will be completed, and the partners that will have
responsibility for each task. Task milestones must be listed so as to
ensure that progress can be measured at various stages throughout the
life of the project. The plan must also provide for the substantial
involvement of RMA in the project. (Note: All partnership agreements
resulting from this announcement will include delivery plans in a table
format. The table can be obtained from the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to
this table when preparing a delivery plan and to use this format as
part of the application narrative.)
[sbull] Assemble risk management instructional materials
appropriate for targeted audience to be used in delivering education
and information. This will include: (a) Gathering existing
instructional materials that meet the needs of agricultural producers
of agricultural commodities; (b) identifying gaps in existing
instructional materials; and (c) developing new materials or modifying
existing instructional materials to fill existing gaps.
[sbull] Develop and conduct a promotional program. This program
will include activities using media, newsletters, publications, or
other informational dissemination techniques that are designed to: (a)
Raise awareness for risk management; (b) inform producers of the
availability of risk management tools; and (c) inform producers of the
training and informational opportunities being offered.
[sbull] Deliver risk management training and informational
opportunities to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals.
This will include organizing and delivering outreach and educational
activities using the instructional materials identified earlier.
Activities should be directed primarily to agricultural producers, but
may include those agribusiness professionals that have frequent
opportunities to advise producers on risk management.
[sbull] Document all outreach and educational activities conducted
under the partnership agreement and the results of such activities,
including criteria and indicators used to evaluate the success of the
program. The recipient will also be required to provide information to
an RMA representative to evaluate all educational activities and advise
RMA as to the effectiveness of activities.
2. RMA Activities
RMA will be responsible for the following activities:
[sbull] Review and approve in advance the recipient's project
delivery plan.
[sbull] Collaborate with the recipient in assembling risk
management materials for producers. This will include: (a) Reviewing
and approving in advance all educational materials for technical
accuracy; (b) serving on curriculum development workgroups; (c)
providing curriculum developers with fact sheets and other risk
management publications that have been prepared by RMA; (d) advising
the applicant on the materials available over the internet through the
AgRisk Education Library; (e) advising the applicant on technical
issues related to crop insurance instructional materials; and (f)
advising the applicant on the use of the standardized design and layout
formats to be used on program materials.
[sbull] Collaborate with the recipient on a promotional program for
raising awareness for risk management and for informing producers of
training and informational opportunities. This will include: (a)
Reviewing and approving in advance all promotional plans, materials,
and programs; (b) serving on workgroups that plan promotional programs;
(c) advising the applicant on technical issues relating to the
presentation of crop insurance products in promotional materials; and
(d) participating, as appropriate, in media programs designed to raise
general awareness or provide farmers with risk management education.
[sbull] Collaborate with the recipient on the delivery of education
to agricultural producers and agribusiness leaders. This will include:
(a) Reviewing and approving in advance all producer and agribusiness
educational delivery plans; (b) advising the applicant on technical
issues related to the delivery of crop insurance education and
information; and (c) assisting the applicant in informing crop
insurance professionals about educational plans and scheduled meetings.
[sbull] Reviewing and approving recipient's documentation of risk
management educational and outreach activities.
3. Other Activities
In addition to the specific, required activities listed above, the
applicant may suggest other outreach activities that would contribute
directly to the purpose of this program. For any additional activity
suggested, the applicant should identify the objective of the activity,
the specific tasks required to meet the objective, specific time lines
for performing the tasks, and specific responsibilities of the
partners. The applicant must also identify specific ways in which RMA
could have substantial involvement in the proposed outreach activity.
Part IV--Preparation of an Application
A. Program Application Materials
Program application materials under this announcement may be
downloaded from the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov.
Applicants may also request application materials from: Marie Buchanan,
Telephone (202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, E-mail:
Marie.Buchanan@usda.gov.
B. Content of Applications
A complete and valid application package must include an original,
two paper copies, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format
preferred) of the application package on diskette or compact disc and
must include the following:
1. Applicants must specify whether their application is a new,
renewal, or resubmitted application and provide the required
information in accordance with the following:
2. New Applications--This is a project application that has not
been preciously submitted to the RMA Outreach Program. All new
applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process
and evaluation criteria described in this RFA.
3. Renewal Applications--This is a project proposal that requests
additional funding for a project beyond the period that was approved in
an original or amended award. Applications for renewed funding must
contain the same information as required for new applications, and
additionally must contain a Progress Report. Renewal applications must
be received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in competition
with other pending applications, and will be reviewed according to the
same evaluation criteria as new applications.
[[Page 35846]]
4. Resubmitted Applications--This is a proposal that was previously
submitted to the RMA Outreach office, but was not funded. Resubmitted
proposals must be reviewed by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated
in competition with other pending applications, and will be reviewed
according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.
5. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for
Federal Assistance.''
6. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget
Information--Non-construction Programs.'' Indirect costs allowed for
projects submitted under this announcement will be limited to 10
percent of the total direct cost of the partnership or cooperative
agreement.
7. A budget and detailed narrative in support of the budget that
shows all funding sources and itemized costs for each line item
contained in the SF-424A. All budget categories must be individually
listed (with costs) in the same order as the budget and justified on a
separate sheet of paper and placed immediately behind the SF-424A.
There must be a detailed breakdown of all costs, including indirect
costs. Include budget notes on each budget line item detailing how each
line item was derived. Also provide a brief narrative description of
any costs that may require explanation (i.e., why specific costs may be
higher than market costs). Only items or services that are necessary
for the successful completion of the project will be funded as
permitted under the Act, the applicable Federal cost principles, and
are not prohibited under any other Federal statute. Salaries of project
personnel should be requested in proportion to the effort that they
would devote to the project.
8. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B--``Assurances,
Non-constructive Programs.''
9. A ``Statement of Non-financial Benefits.'' (Refer to Part I.B.2
``Non-financial Benefits'')
10. A narrative title page. This single page can provide: (a) The
name of the project; (b) the name of the program; (c) the geographic
area and target audience for which the project will be directed; (d)
the organization submitting the application; (e) a listing of project
partners; (f) a brief project summary; and (g) information needed to
contact the project's leader, including an e-mail address.
11. A written narrative (limited to fifteen single-sided pages)
that describes the outreach project in detail, including the program
delivery plan. The narrative should provide reviewers with sufficient
information to effectively evaluate the merits of the application under
the criteria contained in Part V. In preparing narratives, applicants
are strongly encouraged to carefully review and understand the specific
features and authorities governing the specific program for which funds
are being requested, as described in this announcement. The narrative
should include the circumstances giving rise to the proposed activity;
a clear, concise statement of the objectives; the steps necessary to
implement the program to attain the objectives; an evaluation plan for
the activities; and a management and work plan that describes how the
activities will be managed by the applicant. Also, all partnerships
resulting from this announcement will have delivery plans that are
prepared using a specific table format. The delivery plan should
identify each objective and the key tasks to achieve the objective, the
entity responsible for the task, the completion date, the task
location, and RMA's role. A sample table format is available from the
RMA Web site http://www.rma.usda.gov or can be provided by RMA upon
request. Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to this table when
preparing a delivery plan and to use this table format in that portion
of the application narrative that addresses the delivery plan. The
table can be attached as an Appendix to the narrative.
12. An appendix containing exhibits that the applicant believes
will directly support the information provided in the narrative.
(Optional)
13. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities.''
14. A completed and signed AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters (Primary Covered
Transactions.''
15. A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-
Free Workplace.''
C. Submission of Applications
1. An original and two paper copies of the completed and signed
application, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format preferred)
on diskette or compact disc must be submitted in one package at the
time of initial submission.
2. All applications must be received by the deadline. Applications
that do not meet all the requirements in this announcement are
considered as late applications. Late or incomplete applications will
not be considered and will be returned to the applicant.
3. Applications submitted through express, overnight mail or
another delivery service will be considered as meeting the announced
deadline only if they are received in the mailroom at the address
stated above for express, overnight mail or another delivery service on
or before the deadline. Applicants are cautioned that express,
overnight mail or other delivery services do not always deliver as
agreed. Applicants should take this into account because failure of
such delivery services will not extend the deadline. The address must
appear on the envelope or package containing the application with the
note ``Attention: Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership
Program.''
Mailed applications will be considered as meeting the announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline in the mailroom
at the address stated above for mailed applications. Applicants are
responsible for mailing applications well in advance, to ensure that
applications are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service should allow for the extra
time for delivery due to the additional security measures that mail
delivered to government offices in the Washington D.C. area now
requires.
4. RMA cannot accommodate transmissions of applications by
facsimile or through other electronic media. Therefore, applications
transmitted electronically will not be accepted regardless of the date
or time of submission or the time of receipt.
5. The deadline for receipt of an application is 5 p.m. Eastern
Time on August 1, 2003. The application deadline is firm as to date and
hour and applies to submission of the original application and two
copies.
D. Acknowledgement of Applications
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever
possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide e-mail
addresses in the application. If an e-mail address is not indicated on
an application, receipt will be acknowledged by letter. There will be
no notification of incomplete, unqualified or unfunded applications
until the awards have been made.
When received by RMA, applications will be assigned an
identification number. This number will be communicated to applicants
in the acknowledgement of receipt of applications. An application's
identification number should be referenced in all correspondence
regarding the application. If the
[[Page 35847]]
applicant does not receive an acknowledgement within 15 days of the
submission deadline, the applicant should contact Marie Buchanan at
(202) 690-2686.
Part V--Review Process
A. General
Each application will be evaluated using a two-part process. First,
each application will be screened by RMA personnel to ensure that it
meets the requirements in this announcement. Applications that do not
meet the requirements of this announcement or are incomplete will not
receive further consideration.
Second, a review panel will consider the merits of all applications
that meet the requirements in the announcement. The evaluation of each
application will be conducted by a panel of not less than three
independent reviewers. Reviewers will be drawn from USDA, other federal
agencies, and others representing public and private organizations, as
needed. The narrative and any appendixes provided by each applicant
will be used by the review panel to evaluate the merits of the project
that is being proposed for funding. The panel will examine and score
applications based on the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' contained
in this paragraph B of this part.
Applications will be evaluated and scored in each of the four
criteria listed below. The panel will be looking for the specific
elements listed with each criterion when evaluating the applications
and scoring them. For each application, panel members will assign a
point value up to the maximum for each criterion. After all reviewers
have evaluated and scored each of the applications, the scores for the
entire panel will be averaged to determine an application's final
score.
After assigning points upon those criteria, applications will be
listed in initial rank order and presented, along with funding level
recommendations, to the Manager of FCIC, who will make the final
decision on awarding of a partnership agreement. Applications will then
be funded in final rank order until all available funds have been
expended. Applicants must score 50 points or more during the first
round to be considered for funding. Unused remaining funds from the
first round of competition will be allocated to the second round of
competition. Unless the applicant withdraws their proposal, eligible,
but unfunded, proposals from the first competition will be considered
in the second competition, with or without a revision by the applicant.
An organization, or group of organizations in partnership, may
apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to the
programs described in this announcement. However, if the Manager of
FCIC determines that an application recommended for funding under this
announcement is sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded
or has been recommended to be funded under another FCIC or RMA
education or outreach program, then the Manager may elect to not fund
that application in whole or in part.
B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights
Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Project Management--Maximum 20 Points
The applicant must demonstrate an ability to implement sound and
effective project management practices. Higher scores will be awarded
to applicants that can demonstrate organizational skills, leadership,
and experience in delivering services or programs that assist women,
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally
underserved producers. If the applicant has been a recipient of other
Federal or other government grants, cooperative agreements, or
contracts, the applicant must also detail that they have consistently
complied with financial and program reporting and auditing
requirements. Applicants that will employ, or have access to, personnel
who have experience in directing agricultural programs or providing
outreach programs that benefit producers will receive higher rankings.
2. Collaborative Partnering--Maximum 50 Points
The applicant must demonstrate experience and capacity to partner
with and gain the support of other agencies, grower organizations,
agribusiness professionals, and agricultural leaders to enhance the
quality and effectiveness of the program. Applicants will receive
higher scores to the extent that they can document and demonstrate: (a)
That partnership commitments are in place for the express purpose of
delivering the program in this announcement; (b) that a broad and
diverse group of farmers and ranchers will be reached; and (c) that a
substantial effort has been made to partner with organizations that can
meet the needs of producers that are women, limited resource, socially
disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and
ranchers.
3. Delivery Plan--Maximum 15 Points
The applicant must demonstrate that its program delivery plan is
clear and specific. For each of the applicant's responsibilities
contained in the description of the program, the applicant must
demonstrate that it can identify specific tasks and provide reasonable
time lines that further the purpose of this program. Applicants will
obtain a higher score to the extent that the tasks of the project are
specific, measurable, and reasonable, have specific time frames for
completion, and relate directly to the required activities and program
objectives described in this announcement. For guidance on a delivery
plan format, applicants are encouraged to refer to the table in the
appendix of this notice.
4. Project Benefits--Maximum 15 Points
The applicant must demonstrate that the project benefits to women,
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally
underserved producers warrant the funding requested. Applicants will be
scored according to the extent they can: (a) Reasonably estimate the
number of producers reached through the project; (b) justify the
estimates with clear specifics related to the delivery plan; (c)
identify the actions producers will likely be able to take as a result
of the project; and (d) identify specific measures for evaluating the
success of the project. Reviewers' scoring will be based on the scope
and reasonableness of the applicants' estimates of producers reached
through the project, clear descriptions of specific expected project
benefits for producers, and well-constructed plans for measuring the
project's effectiveness.
5. Diversity--Maximum 20 Points
Applicant must identify the geographic areas to be served. After
applications have been evaluated and awarded points under the first
four criteria, applications that promote the broadest geographic
diversity will receive the highest score.
C. Confidentiality
The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in the
applications, the content of applications, and the panel evaluations of
applications will all be kept confidential, except to those involved in
the review process, to the extent permitted by law. In addition, the
identities of review panel members will remain confidential throughout
the entire review process and will not be released to applicants. At
the end of the fiscal year, names of panel members
[[Page 35848]]
will be made available. However, panelists will not be identified with
the review of any particular application.
Part VI--Additional Information
A. Requirement To Use Program Logo
Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to use a
program logo and design provided by RMA for all instructional and
promotional materials.
B. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-selected
Contractor
Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to
assist RMA in evaluating the effectiveness of its education programs by
providing documentation of outreach activities and related information
to any contractor selected by RMA for program evaluation purposes.
C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflicts of
Interest
Private organizations that are involved in the sale of Federal crop
insurance, or that have financial ties to such organizations, are
eligible to apply for funding under either of the two educational
programs described in this announcement. However, such entities will
not be allowed to receive funding to conduct activities that would
otherwise be required under a Standard Reinsurance Agreement or any
other agreement in effect between FCIC and the entity. Such entities
will also not be allowed the receive funding to conduct activities that
could be perceived by producers as promoting one company's services or
products over another's. If applying for funding, such organizations
are encouraged to be sensitive to potential conflicts of interest and
to describe in their application the specific actions they will take to
avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest.
D. Access to Panel Review Information
Upon written request from the applicant, scores from the evaluation
panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the
applicant after the review and awards process has been completed.
E. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards
Following approval by the awarding official of RMA of the
applications selected for funding, project leaders whose applications
have been selected for funding will be notified. Within the limit of
funds available for such a purpose, the awarding official of RMA shall
enter into a partnership agreements with those applicants whose
applications are judged to be most meritorious under the procedures set
forth in this announcement. The agreements provide the amount of
Federal funds for use in the project period, the terms and conditions
of the award, and the time period for the project.
The effective date of the agreement shall be on the date the
agreement is executed by both parties and it shall remain in effect for
up to one year. RMA will then extend to award recipients, in writing,
the authority to draw down funds for the purpose of conducting the
activities listed in the agreement. All funds provided to the applicant
by FCIC must be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are
obligated in accordance with the approved agreement and budget, the
regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, and the
applicability of Federal cost principles. No commitment of Federal
assistance beyond the project period is made or implied for any award
resulting from this notice. Notification of denial of funding will be
sent to applicants after final funding decisions have been made.
Reasons for denial of funding can include incomplete proposals, scored
low or were duplicative.
F. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
When an application results in a partnership agreement, it becomes
a part of the official record of RMA transactions, available to the
public upon specific request. Information that the Secretary of
Agriculture determines to be of a confidential, privileged, or
proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted
by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant wishes to be
considered confidential, privileged, or proprietary should be clearly
marked within an application, including the basis for such designation.
The original copy of a proposal that does not result in an award will
be retained by RMA for a period of one year. Other copies will be
destroyed. Copies of proposals not receiving awards will be released
only with the express written consent of the applicant or to the extent
required by law. A proposal may be withdrawn at any time prior to
award.
G. Reporting Requirements
Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to
submit quarterly progress and financial reports (OMB Standard Form 269)
throughout the project period, as well as a final program and financial
report not later than 90 days after the end of the project period.
H. Audit Requirements
Applicants awarded partnership agreements are subject to audit.
I. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regard to Lobbying
Section 1352 of Public Law 101-121, enacted on October 23, 1989,
imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for Indian
Tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective recipients,
and any subcontractors, are prohibited from using Federal funds, other
than profits from a Federal contract, for lobbying Congress or any
Federal agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant,
cooperative agreement, or loan. In addition, for each award action in
excess of $100,000 ($150,000 for loans) the law requires recipients and
any subcontractors: (1) To certify that they have neither used nor will
use any appropriated funds for payment of lobbyists; (2) to disclose
the name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with
lobbyists whom recipients of their subcontractors will pay with profits
or other non-appropriated funds on or after December 22, 1989; and (3)
to file quarterly up-dates about the use of lobbyists if material
changes occur in their use. The law establishes civil penalties for
non-compliance. A copy of the certification and disclosure forms must
be submitted with the application and are available from Marie Buchanan
at the above stated address and telephone number.
J. Applicable OMB Circulars
All partnership agreements funded as a result of this notice will
be subject to the requirements contained in all applicable OMB
circulars.
Ross J. Davidson, Jr.,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 03-15205 Filed 6-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P