[Federal Register: April 2, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 62)]
[Notices]
[Page 15644-15650]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02ap07-14]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Request for Applications (RFA): Non-Insurance Risk Management
Program Partnerships
Announcement Type: Notice of Availability of Funds and Request for
Applications for Non-Insurance Risk Management Program Partnerships
CFDA Number: 10.456.
Dates: The closing date and time for receipt of an application is 5
p.m. CDT on May 17, 2007. Applications received after the deadline will
not be evaluated by the technical review panel and will not be
considered for funding. All awards will be made and agreements
completed no later than September 30, 2007.
Overview: The purpose of the Non-Insurance Risk Management Program
Partnerships is to fund the development of non-insurance risk
management tools that will be utilized by agricultural producers to
assist them in mitigating the risks inherent in agricultural
production. The proposal must address the objective listed in section
I.D. Approximately $3 million is available to fund an undetermined
number of partnerships. Projects may be funded for a period of up to
three years. Applications are accepted from public and private
entities; individuals are not eligible to apply. No cost sharing by the
applicant is required. There are no limitations on the number of
applications each applicant may submit.
[[Page 15645]]
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Background
The Risk Management Agency (RMA), on behalf of the Federal Crop
Insurance Corporation (FCIC), is committed to meeting the risk
management needs and improving or developing risk management tools for
the nation's farmers and ranchers. It does this by offering Federal
crop insurance through a network of private-sector entities and by
overseeing the creation of new products, seeking enhancements in
existing products, and by expanding the use of a variety of risk
management tools. Risk management tools also include a variety of non-
insurance risk management options and strategies developed to assist
producers in mitigating the risks inherent in agricultural production.
For the purposes of this announcement, risk management tools do not
include insurance products, plans of insurance, policies or
modifications thereof.
B. Purpose
The purpose of this program is to fund partnership agreements that
assist producers, minimize their production risks, or develop risk
management tools. The agreements are for the development of risk
management tools for use directly by agricultural producers. To aid in
meeting these goals each partnership agreement awarded through this
program will provide the recipient with funds, guidance, and the
substantial involvement of RMA to carry out these risk management
initiatives. Applications requesting funding for the development of
insurance products, plans of insurance, policies or modifications
thereof are excluded from consideration under this announcement.
C. Authorization
In accordance with section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(Act), FCIC announces the availability of funding for risk management
non-insurance program activities. Priority will be given to those
activities addressing the need for risk management tools for producers
of the following agricultural commodities (For purposes of this
announcement, these commodities are collectively referred to as
``Priority Commodities''):
Agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the
Agricultural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7333) (Noninsured
Assistance Program (NAP)). 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.
Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may 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.
Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a)
Commodities, including livestock 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.
D. Objective
The project objective listed below highlights the research priority
of RMA. All proposals must clearly describe how the objective will be
met and provide information on the usefulness and demand for the tool
to be developed.
The project objective is:
To develop a risk management tool designed to increase knowledge of
and participation in existing insurance programs available to producers
of agricultural products. This tool should not be part of the insurance
policy or plan of insurance but should be a stand alone product that
can be used by producers to make the purchase decision for insurance
easier or ease the burden on producers in fulfilling the requirements
under the policy. The tool should, at a minimum, be designed to assist
producers who purchase one or more of the following products: Pasture,
Rangeland and Forage (PRF); Livestock insurance, or Adjusted Gross
Revenue (AGR) and Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite). Educational
materials explaining the use of the tool should be included as a
component of the tool; however, tools which are exclusively educational
in nature will not meet the objective. Information on non-insurance
risk management tools, developed in partnership with RMA, may be
included in the tool; however tools dealing exclusively with non-
insurance risk management tools will not meet the objective. The tool
may be web-based, electronic media, or traditional media. Any web-based
tool must conform to all established USDA standards, policies, and
procedures. The tool may be developed for use with any other insurance
products including pilot or regulatory programs that are listed at the
following Web sites: http://www.rma.usda.gov/pilots/2008pilot.html;
http://www.rma.usda.gov/policies/2008policy.html; http://www
.rma.usda.gov/livestock/.
Examples of tools that may be developed under this objective are as
follows. The examples are not meant to be exhaustive:
Tools that assist producers in constructing and
maintaining a farm records system required to participate in an
insurance program, e.g., development of a software package for
producers who sell through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
programs and direct markets. Development of materials (software,
electronic media or traditional media) to assist producers in
establishing insurance guarantees (including adjustments for added
value), maintaining accurate inventory records, and calculating farm
losses for producers who elect to insure their operations under the AGR
program.
Tools that assist producers in selecting the most
appropriate risk management strategy including the most appropriate
plan of crop insurance, e.g., a decision support tool that would assist
producers in comparing and analyzing available insurance products and
non-insurance risk management tools in order to make informed decisions
concerning risk management alternatives.
Tools that assist producers that are socially
disadvantaged, limited resource or with limited English proficiency in
understanding and participating in crop insurance programs, e.g.,
development of a system that would promote accessibility, and target
the limited resource farmer, including a plan to provide access to web-
based tools, that would explain and inform producers concerning
available crop insurance options in a variety of languages.
II. Award Information
A. Award Description
Approximately $3 million is available for partnership agreements
that will fund the development of risk management tools. Awards under
this program will be made on a competitive basis. Projects may be
funded for a period of up to three years for the activities described
in this announcement. Projects can also be in two parts with the first
part including the research and feasibility studies and the second part
including the development, implementation, delivery and maintenance of
the risk management tool. If the development of the tool is determined
not to be feasible, the partnership may be terminated by RMA after
completion of the first part with funding reduced accordingly.
[[Page 15646]]
There is no commitment by 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. All
awards will be made and agreements completed no later than September
30, 2007.
Recipients of awards must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a
partnership agreement and must agree to substantial involvement of RMA
in the project.
1. Recipient Activities
The applicant will be required to perform the following activities:
a. Finalize, in cooperation with RMA, the partnership agreement.
b. Finalize, in cooperation with RMA, the plan to administer,
maintain and update the risk management tool in the future. The
applicant must develop a plan for the delivery and evaluation of the
risk management tool to producers and the ongoing maintenance and
support of the risk management tool, including how the applicant will
fund the delivery, support, maintenance and updating of the tool to
maintain its applicability, benefits, usefulness, and value to
producers. The applicant must also deliver the risk management tool to
producers and support, maintain and update the tool as applicable.
c. Define non-financial benefits and the substantial involvement of
the RMA.
d. Coordinate, manage, document and implement the timely completion
of the approved research and development activities.
e. Abide by the plans and provisions contained in the partnership
agreement.
f. Report on program performance in accordance with the partnership
agreement.
g. The recipient may be required to make a presentation to the FCIC
Board of Directors.
h. Adhere to RMA guidelines for systems development and information
technology development.
2. RMA Activities
RMA will be substantially involved during the performance of the
funded activity. Potential types of substantial involvement may
include, but are not limited to the following activities:
a. Collaborate on the research plan;
b. Assist in the selection of subcontractors and project staff;
c. Review and approve critical stages of project development before
subsequent stages may be started;
d. Provide assistance in the management or technical performance of
the project;
e. Collaborate with the recipient in the development of materials
associated with the funded project, as it relates to publication or
presentation of the results and the distribution of the risk management
tools to the public, any producer groups, RMA, and the FCIC Board of
Directors;
f. Assist in the collection of data and information that may be
available in RMA databases;
g. Collaborate with the recipient in the development of a proposal
to administer, maintain and update the risk management tool in the
future.
h. Similar types of activities.
B. Other Activities
In addition to the specific activities listed above, the applicant
may suggest other 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 timelines for performing
the tasks, and specific responsibilities of the partners. The applicant
should also identify specific ways in which RMA could or should have
substantial involvement in that activity.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Proposals are invited from qualified public and private entities.
Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, Federal, State,
and local agencies, Native American tribal organizations, non-profit
and for-profit private organizations or corporations, and other
entities. Individuals are not eligible applicants.
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).
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing, matching, in-kind contributions, or cost
participation is not required.
C. Other
1. Applicants must demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed risk
management tool and the benefits of the tool to producers of priority
commodities. Applicants must include information supporting the need
for the tool, such as a market analysis, or communications from
producers or producer organizations expressing a need for the proposed
tool. The proposal must also clearly define how the proposed tool will
meet the needs of the producer groups identified. Refer to section
V.A.3 for the evaluation criterion.
2. If the project proposed for development requires ongoing
maintenance, support and delivery to producers beyond the development
stage, the applicant must submit a plan to continue the maintenance,
support and delivery of the tool without relying on RMA's resources. If
the applicant does not plan to directly support, maintain and deliver
the tool using non-award funds after the development period funded by
this award is completed, then the proposal should identify a third
party sponsor who will do so. For example, if a proposed tool would
require constant updating of data and availability on a Web site in
order to be utilized by producers, then a sponsor should be identified
that would be able to provide the funds necessary to maintain and host
the tool. Third party sponsors may include government agencies, grower
organizations, industry organizations, private sector entities, etc. If
the tool proposed does not require support, maintenance, updating or
revisions to maintain applicability or value or does not require
continued delivery to producers, the proposal should so state and
provide the basis why such actions are not required. Refer to section
V.A.4 for evaluation criterion.
3. Applicants must be able to demonstrate they will receive non-
financial benefits as a result of the partnership agreement. Non-
financial benefits must accrue to the applicant and must include more
than the ability to provide 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
educational programs or benefits derived through the furtherance of an
organization's mission). Refer to section V.A.2 for evaluation
criterion.
[[Page 15647]]
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Request Application Package
Applicants may download an application package from the Risk
Management Agency Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov The application package can also be accessed via Grants.gov. Go to http://.
http://www.grants.gov, click on ``Find Grant Opportunities,'' then click on
``Search Grant Opportunities,'' and enter CFDA number 10.456 to search
by CFDA number. From the search results, select the item that
correlates to the title of this RFA. If you do not have electronic
access to the RFA or have trouble downloading material and you would
like a hardcopy, or have any questions you may contact Kristin Chow,
USDA/RMA, Non-Insurance Programs, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas
City, Missouri 64133-4676, phone (816) 926-6343, fax (816) 926-7343, e-
mail: RMA.Reasearch.Application@rma.usda.gov.
If assistance is needed to access the application package via
Grants.gov (e.g., downloading or navigating PureEdge forms, using
PureEdge with a Macintosh computer), refer to resources available on
the Grants.gov Web site first (http://www.grants.gov/). Grants.gov
assistance is also available as follows:
Grants.gov customer support
Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726.
Business Hours: M-F 7:00 a.m.--9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
E-mail: support@grants.gov.
Applicants who submit their applications via the Grants.gov Web
site are not required to submit any hard copy documents to RMA.
When using Grants.gov to apply, RMA strongly recommends that you
submit the online application at least one week prior to the
application due date in case there are problems with the Grants.gov Web
site and you need to submit your application via a mail delivery
service.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
If submitting the application via regular mail an original and
twelve (12) paper copies are requested (these are optional), however,
three copies are required. Of the complete and signed application, and
one copy (Microsoft Word format preferred) on diskette or compact disk
must be submitted in one package at the time of initial submission
along with the following documents:
1. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for
Federal Assistance''.
2. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget
Information--Non-construction Programs''. Reviewers will need
sufficient information to effectively evaluate the budget. Indirect
cost for projects submitted in response to this solicitation are
limited to 10 percent of the total direct cost of the agreement. A
sample budget narrative, including suggestions for format and content,
is available on the RMA Web site (http://www.rma.usda.gov) or upon
request.
3. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B, ``Assurances,
Non-construction Programs''.
4. A statement of the non-financial benefits of any partnership
agreement to the recipient. (Refer to section III.C.3).
5. A completed Form RD-1, ``Title Page and Proposal Summary.'' If
the same or similar proposals are submitted by the same entity, the
first received will be the only one evaluated.
6. A proposal narrative submitted with the application package
should be limited to 10 single-sided pages. Reviewers will need
sufficient information to effectively evaluate the application under
the criteria contained in section V. A sample narrative, including
suggestions for format and content, is available on the RMA Web site
(http://www.rma.usda.gov) or upon request.
7. An appendix containing any attachments that may support
information in the narrative (Optional).
8. A completed Form RD-2, ``Statement of Work.''
If submitting the above materials electronically, as described on
the RMA Web site, paper copies of the submission will not be required.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the application materials are
received by the closing date. Incomplete application packages will not
receive further consideration.
C. Submission Dates and Times
The closing date and time for receipt of an application is 5 p.m.
CDT on May 17, 2007. Applications received after the deadline will not
be evaluated by the technical review panel and will not be considered
for funding.
D. Funding Restrictions
No maximum or minimum funding levels have been established for
individual projects. The funding level will be determined by FCIC.
Indirect cost for projects submitted in response to this solicitation
are limited to 10 percent of total direct cost of the agreement. Each
project may be funded for a period of up to three years for the
activities described in this announcement. Partnership agreement funds
may not be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility including a processing facility;
2. 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 under 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019,
as applicable.
E. Other Submission Requirements
Mailed Submissions
1. If submitting the application via regular mail, an original and
twelve (12) paper copies are requested (these are optional), however,
three copies are required. Of the completed and signed application, and
one copy (Microsoft Word format preferred) on diskette or compact disk
must be submitted in one package at the time of initial submission.
2. If submitting the application via regular mail all applications
must be submitted and received by the deadline. Applications that do
not meet all of the requirements in this announcement are considered
incomplete applications. Late or incomplete applications will not be
considered in this competition and will be returned to the applicant.
3. Applications will be considered as meeting the announced
deadline if they are received in the mailroom at the address stated
below in section IV.E.4, on or before the deadline. Applicants are
cautioned that express, overnight mail or other delivery services do
not always deliver as agreed. Applicants are responsible for mailing
applications well in advance, to ensure that applications are received
on or before the deadline time and date. Applicants should be aware
that there may be significant delays in delivery if applications are
mailed using mail delivery due to the additional security measures that
mail delivered to government offices now requires. Applicants should
take this into account because failure of such delivery services will
not extend the deadline.
4. Address when using mail delivery: USDA/RMA, Non-Insurance
Programs, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-
4676.
Electronic Submissions
Applications transmitted electronically via Grants.gov are strongly
encouraged. The application package can be accessed via Grants.gov.
[[Page 15648]]
Go to http://www.grants.gov, click on ``Find Grant Opportunities,''
then click on ``Search Grant Opportunities,'' and enter CFDA number
10.456 to search by CFDA number. From the search results, select the
item that correlates to the title of this RFA. If you do not have
electronic access to the RFA or have trouble downloading material and
you would like a hardcopy, or have any questions you may contact
Kristin Chow, USDA/RMA, Non-Insurance Programs, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop
0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676, phone (816) 926-6343, fax (816)
926-7343, e-mail: RMA.Reasearch.Application@rma.usda.gov.
If assistance is needed to access the application package via
Grants.gov (e.g., downloading or navigating PureEdge forms, using
PureEdge with a Macintosh computer), refer to resources available on
the Grants.gov Web site first (http://www.grants.gov/). Grants.gov
assistance is also available as follows:
Grants.gov customer support
Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726.
Business Hours: M-F 7 a.m.--9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
E-mail: support@grants.gov.
Applicants who submit their applications via the Grants.gov Web
site are not required to submit any hard copy documents to RMA.
When using Grants.gov to apply, RMA strongly recommends that you
submit the online application at least one week prior to the
application due date in case there are problems with the Grants.gov Web
site and you need to submit your application via a mail delivery
service.
F. Acknowledgement of Application
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever
possible. Therefore, each applicant is encouraged to provide an e-mail
address 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
identification number should be referenced in all correspondence
regarding the application. If the applicant does not receive an
acknowledgement within 15 days of the submission deadline, the
applicant should contact Kristin Chow, Non-Insurance Programs at (816)
926-6343.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria
1. Research Objective--Maximum 30 Points
The application must receive a minimum score of 20 points under
this criterion in order to be considered for further evaluation and
funding. Applications receiving less than 20 points will be eliminated
and will not be evaluated under criterion 2 through 4. The proposal
must clearly define the development, management and implementation of a
risk management tool designed to meet the needs of producers under the
objective listed in section I.D. The proposal will be reviewed to
determine if it is similar to a project that has been funded, has been
recommended for funding, or is currently under development through
other means.
2. Indication of RMA Involvement and Non-financial Benefits--Maximum 10
Points
The proposal clearly indicates areas of substantial involvement by
RMA and clearly indicates benefits derived from the partnership that
extend beyond the financial benefits or funding of the research
proposal. Those proposals that clearly outline the involvement of RMA
in all aspects of the project and demonstrate non-financial benefits
will receive the highest score.
3. Research Approach, Methodology, Development and Implementation--
Maximum 45 Points
The proposal clearly demonstrates a sound research approach and
defines the methodology to be used as well as describes the development
and implementation of the risk management tool. The proposal must
clearly demonstrate the usefulness of the tool and the benefits of the
tool to producers of priority commodities and demonstrate that there is
a reasonable expectation that the tool will actually be used by a
substantial number of such producers. The proposal will be evaluated to
ensure that the risk management tool can be readily and easily updated,
delivered to producers and will be supported, maintained, updated or
revised as necessary. Proposals that demonstrate a clear, concise and
generally accepted research methodology and innovative approach will
receive the highest number of points.
4. Management and Plan for Maintenance and Support--Maximum 15 Points
The proposal clearly demonstrates the applicant's ability and
resources to coordinate and manage all aspects of the proposed research
project. Applicants must provide a detailed budget summary that clearly
explains and justifies costs associated with the project. The applicant
must submit a plan, if necessary, to continue the maintenance, support
and delivery of the tool without relying on RMA's resources. The
applicant whose approach is the most cost effective and optimizes the
use and effective application of the funding will receive the highest
score.
B. Review and Selection Process
Each application will be evaluated using a four-part process.
First, each application will be screened by RMA to ensure that each
proposal meets the objective stated in section I.D. The same or similar
proposals cannot be submitted multiple times by the same entity. If the
same or similar proposals are submitted by the same entity, the first
received will be the only one evaluated. Applications that do not meet
the objective stated in section I.D. and all other requirements in this
announcement or are incomplete, will not receive further consideration.
Second, all eligible applications will be evaluated using the
criterion in section V.A.1. Applications must score at least 20 points
under this criterion in order to be evaluated further.
Third, all applications scoring the required 20 points will be
evaluated further under sections V.A.2 through 4.
For the second and third steps, a review panel will consider all
applications that are complete and meet the objective in section I.D.
and all other requirements in this announcement. The panel will review
the merits of the applications. The evaluation of each application will
be conducted by a panel of not less than three independent reviewers.
The panel will be comprised of representatives from USDA, other federal
agencies, and others representing public and private organizations, as
needed. The narrative and any appendices 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
section V.A. The identities of review panel members will remain
confidential throughout the entire
[[Page 15649]]
review process and will not be released to applicants.
In order to be considered for funding, a proposal must score at
least 75 points.
For the last step, those applications meeting the minimum number of
points will be listed in initial rank order. Proposals will be funded
by rank order according to score. The projects proposed for funding
will be presented, along with funding level recommendations, to the
Manager of FCIC, who will make the final decision on awarding of a
partnership agreement.
If the Manager of FCIC determines that any application is
sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded or has been
recommended to be funded under this announcement or any other research
and development program, then the Manager may elect not to fund that
application in whole or in part.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Access to Panel Review Information
Upon written request, 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.
2. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards and Notification of
Non-Selection
Following approval of the applications selected for funding, notice
of project approval and authority to draw down funds will be made to
the selected applicants in writing. Within the limit of funds available
for such purpose, the awarding official of RMA shall enter into
partnership agreements with those applicants whose applications are
judged to be most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this
announcement. The partnership agreement provides 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 partnership agreement shall be the date
the agreement is executed by both parties. All funds provided to the
applicant by FCIC must be expended solely for the purpose for which
funds are obligated in accordance with the approved application 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, as a result of
any award made pursuant to this announcement.
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, proposals that did not meet the
objective, scored low or were duplicative.
3. 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 the 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. Such a proposal 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. 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.
4. Administration
All partnership agreements are subject to 7 CFR part 3015.
5. 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 or 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. All recipients must provide a copy of the certification
and disclosure forms prior to the beginning of the project period.
6. 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.
7. Audit Requirements
Applicants awarded partnership agreements are subject to audit.
8. Requirement to Assure Compliance with Federal Civil Rights Laws
Project leaders of all partnership agreements funded as a result of
this notice are required to know and abide by Federal civil rights laws
and to assure USDA and RMA that the recipient is in compliance with and
will continue to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), 7 CFR part 15, and USDA regulations
promulgated under 7 CFR part 1901.202. RMA requires that recipients
submit Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights), assuring RMA
of this compliance prior to the beginning of the project period.
B. Reporting
Applicants awarded a partnership agreement will be required to
submit quarterly written progress and financial reports (SF-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.
Recipients will be required to submit prior to the award:
A completed and signed Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement
(Civil Rights).
A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure
of Lobbying Activities.''
A completed and signed AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered
Transactions.''
A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding
Drug-Free Workplace.''
A completed and signed Faith-Based Survey on EEO.
[[Page 15650]]
VII. Agency Contact
If applicants have any questions they may contact: Kristin Chow,
USDA/RMA, Non-Insurance Programs, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas
City, Missouri 64133-4676, phone (816) 926-6343, fax (816) 926-7343, e-
mail: RMA.Research.Application@rma.usda.gov.
VIII. Other Information
A. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the
universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million
businesses worldwide. The Office of Management and Budget published a
notice of final policy issuance in the Federal Register June 27, 2003
(68 FR 38402) that requires a DUNS number in every application (i.e.,
hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement on or
after October 1, 2003. Therefore, potential applicants should verify
that they have a DUNS number or take the steps needed to obtain one.
For information about how to obtain a DUNS number, go to http://www.grants.gov.
Please note that the registration may take up to 14
business days to complete. Previously registered DUNS numbers must be
annually renewed; applicants must do so prior to submission of
applications under this RFA.
B. Required Registration With the Central Contract Registry for
Submission of Proposals
The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as
the primary Government repository for contractor information required
for the conduct of business with the Government. This database will
also be used as a central location for maintaining organizational
information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the
Government. Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the
submission of applications. A DUNS number is needed for CCR
registration. For information about how to register in the CCR, visit
``Get Started'' at http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum of five
business days to complete the CCR registration.
Signed in Washington, DC, on March 26, 2007.
Eldon Gould,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. E7-5971 Filed 3-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P