[Federal Register: April 18, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 74)]
[Notices]
[Page 19864-19871]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18ap06-30]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Funding Opportunity Title: Crop Insurance Education in Targeted
States (Targeted States Program)
Announcement Type: Announcement of Availability of Funds and
Request for Application for Competitive Cooperative Agreements--
Initial.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.458.
Dates: Applications are due June 2, 2006.
Executive Summary:
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), operating through
the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces the availability of
approximately $4.5 million to fund cooperative agreements under the
Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States program (the Targeted
States Program).
[[Page 19865]]
The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to deliver crop
insurance education and information to U.S. agricultural producers in
certain States that have been designated as historically underserved
with respect to crop insurance. The states, collectively referred to as
Targeted States, are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
A maximum of 15 cooperative agreements will be funded, one in each of
the 15 Targeted States. Recipients of awards must agree to the
substantial involvement of RMA in the project. Funding availability for
this program may be announced at approximately the same time as funding
availability for similar but separate programs--CFDA No. 10.455
(Community Outreach and Assistance Partnerships), CFDA No. 10.456 (Risk
Management Research Partnerships) CFDA No. 10.457 (Commodity
Partnerships for Risk Management Education), and CFDA No. 10.459
(Commodity Partnerships for Small Agricultural Risk Management
Education Sessions). Prospective applicants should carefully examine
and compare the notices for each program.
This Announcement Consists of Eight Parts:
Part I--Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
B. Background
C. Project Goal
D. Purpose
Part II--Award Information
A. Type of Award
B. Funding Availability
C. Location and Target Audience
D. Maximum Award
E. Project Period
F. Description of Agreement Award-Recipient Tasks
G. RMA Activities
H. Other Tasks
Part III--Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
C. Other--Non-Financial Benefits
Part IV--Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Submit an Application Package
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
C. Submission Dates and Times
D. Intergovernmental Review
E. Funding Restrictions
F. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits
G. Indirect Cost Rates
H. Other Submission Requirements
I. Electronic Submissions
J. Acknowledgement of Applications
Part V--Application Review Process
A. Criteria
B. Selection and Review Process
Part VI--Award Administration
A. Award Notices
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Requirement To Use Program Logo
2. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-selected
Representative
3. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflict
of Interest
4. Access to Panel Review Information
5. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
6. Audit Requirements
7. Prohibitions and Requirements Regarding Lobbying
8. Applicable OMB Circulars
9. Requirement To Assure Compliance With Federal Civil Rights
Laws
10. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Conference
C. Reporting Requirements
Part VII--Agency Contact
Part VIII--Additional Information
A. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
B. Required Registration With the Central Contract Registry for
Submission of Proposals
C. Related Programs
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
The Targeted States Program is authorized under section 524(a)(2)
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act).
B. 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 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 524(a)(2) of the Act. This
section authorizes funding for the establishment of crop insurance
education and information programs in States that have historically
been underserved by the Federal crop insurance program. In accordance
with the Act, the fifteen States designated as ``underserved'' are
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah,
Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming (collectively referred to as
``Targeted States'').
C. Project Goal
The goal of the Targeted States Program is to ensure that farmers
and ranchers in the Targeted States are sufficiently informed so as to
take full advantage of existing and emerging crop insurance products.
D. Purpose
The purpose of the Targeted States Program is to provide farmers
and ranchers in Targeted States with education and information to be
able to understand:
The kinds of risk addressed by crop insurance;
The features of existing and emerging crop insurance
products;
The use of crop insurance in the management of risk;
How the use of crop insurance can affect other risk
management decisions, such as the use of marketing and financial tools;
and
How to make informed decisions on crop insurance prior to
the sales closing date deadline.
II. Award Information
A. Type of Award
Cooperative Agreements, which require the substantial involvement
of RMA.
B. Funding Availability
Approximately $4,500,000 is available in fiscal year 2006 to fund
up to 15 cooperative agreements, a maximum of one agreement for each of
the Targeted States. The maximum funding amount anticipated for each
Targeted State's agreement is as follows. Applicants should apply for
funding for that Targeted State where the applicant intends on
delivering educational activities.
Maine...................................................... $225,000
New Hampshire.............................................. 173,000
Vermont.................................................... 226,000
Connecticut................................................ 225,000
Rhode Island............................................... 157,000
Massachusetts.............................................. 209,000
New York................................................... 617,000
New Jersey................................................. 272,000
Pennsylvania............................................... 754,000
Maryland................................................... 370,000
Delaware................................................... 261,000
West Virginia.............................................. 209,000
Nevada..................................................... 208,000
Utah....................................................... 301,000
Wyoming.................................................... 293,000
------------
Total.................................................. 4,500,000
[[Page 19866]]
Funding amounts were determined by first allocating an equal amount
of $150,000 to each Targeted State. Remaining funds were allocated on a
pro rata basis according to each Targeted State's share of 2000
agricultural cash receipts relative to the total for all Targeted
States. Both allocations were totaled for each Targeted State and
rounded to the nearest $1,000. In the event that additional funds
become available under this program or in the event that no application
for a given Targeted State is recommended for funding by the evaluation
panel, these additional funds may, at the discretion of the Manager of
FCIC, be allocated pro-rata to State award recipients for use in
broadening the size or scope of awarded projects within the Targeted
State if agreed to by the recipient.
In the event that the Manager of FCIC determines that available RMA
resources cannot support the administrative and substantial involvement
requirements of all agreements recommended for funding, the Manager may
elect to fund fewer agreements than the available funding might
otherwise allow. It is expected that the awards will be made
approximately 60 days after the application deadline. All awards will
be made and agreements finalized no later than September 30, 2006.
C. Location and Target Audience
Targeted States serviced by RMA Regional Offices are listed below.
Staff from the respective RMA Regional Offices will provide substantial
involvement for Targeted States projects conducted within the
respective Regions.
Billings, MT Regional Office: (WY).
Davis, CA Regional Office: (NV and UT).
Raleigh, NC Regional Office: (ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, MD,
DE, and WV).
Applicants must designate in their application narrative the
Targeted State where crop insurance educational activities for the
project will be delivered. Applicants may apply to deliver education to
producers in more than one Targeted State, but a separate application
must be submitted for each Targeted State.
D. Maximum Award
Any application that requests Federal funding of more than the
amount listed above for a project in a given Targeted State will be
rejected.
E. Project Period
Projects will be funded for a period of up to one year from the
project starting date.
F. Description of Agreement Award
Recipient Tasks
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this
program in a designated Targeted State, the award recipient will be
responsible for performing the following tasks:
Develop and conduct a promotional program. This program
will include activities using media, newsletters, publications, or
other appropriate informational dissemination techniques that are
designed to: (a) Raise awareness for crop insurance; (b) inform
producers of the availability of crop insurance; (c) inform producers
of the crop insurance sales closing dates prior to the deadline; and
(d) inform producers and agribusiness leaders in the designated
Targeted State of training and informational opportunities.
Deliver crop insurance training and informational
opportunities to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals
in the designated Targeted State in a timely manner in order for
producers to make informed decisions prior to the crop insurance sales
closing dates deadline. This will include organizing and delivering
educational activities using instructional materials that have been
assembled to meet the local needs of agricultural producers. Activities
should be directed primarily to agricultural producers, but may include
those agribusiness professionals that have frequent opportunities to
advise producers on crop insurance tools and decisions.
Document all educational activities conducted under the
cooperative agreement and the results of such activities, including
criteria and indicators used to evaluate the success of the program.
The recipient may also be required to provide information to an RMA-
selected contractor to evaluate all educational activities and advise
RMA as to the effectiveness of activities.
G. RMA Activities
FCIC, working through RMA, will be substantially involved during
the performance of the funded project through three of RMA's ten
Regional Offices. Potential types of substantial involvement may
include, but are not limited to the following activities.
Assist in the selection of subcontractors and project
staff.
Collaborate with the recipient in assembling, reviewing,
and approving risk management materials for producers in the designated
RMA Region.
Collaborate with the recipient in reviewing and approving
a promotional program for raising awareness for risk management and for
informing producers of training and informational opportunities in the
RMA Region.
Collaborate with the recipient on the delivery of
education to producers and agribusiness leaders in the RMA Region. This
will include: (a) Reviewing and approving in advance all producer and
agribusiness leader educational activities; (b) advising the project
leader on technical issues related to crop insurance education and
information; and (c) assisting the project leader in informing crop
insurance professionals about educational activity plans and scheduled
meetings.
Conduct an evaluation of the performance of the recipient
in meeting the deliverables of the project.
Applications that do not contain substantial involvement by RMA
will be rejected.
H. Other Tasks
In addition to the specific, required tasks listed above, the
applicant may propose additional tasks that would contribute directly
to the purpose of this program. For any proposed additional task, the
applicant must identify the objective of the task, the specific
subtasks required to meet the objective, specific time lines for
performing the subtasks, and the specific responsibilities of partners.
The applicant must also identify specific ways in which RMA would have
substantial involvement in the proposed project task.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include State departments of agriculture,
universities, non-profit agricultural organizations, and other public
or private organizations with the capacity to lead a local program of
crop insurance education for farmers and ranchers within a Targeted
State. Individuals are 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 governed by Federal law and regulations
(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; a
determination of being
[[Page 19867]]
considered ``high risk''). Applications from ineligible or excluded
persons will be rejected in their entirety.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
Although RMA prefers cost sharing by the applicant, this program
has neither a cost sharing nor a matching requirement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Contact To Request Application Package
Program application materials for the Targeted States Program under
this announcement may be downloaded from http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements.
Applicants may also request application materials
from: Lon Burke, USDA-RMA-RME, phone: (202) 720-5265, fax: (202) 690-
3605, e-mail: RMA.Risk-Ed@rma.usda.gov.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
A complete and valid application package must include an electronic
copy (Microsoft Word format preferred) of the narrative portion (Forms
RME-1 and RME-2) of the application package on a compact disc and an
original and two copies of the completed and signed application must be
submitted in one package at the time of initial submission, which must
include the following:
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.'' Federal funding requested
(the total of direct and indirect costs) must not exceed the maximum
level for the respective Targeted State, as specified in Section II,
Award Information.
3. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B, ``Assurances,
Non-constructive Programs.''
4. Risk Management Education Project Narrative (Form RME-1).
Complete all required parts of Form RME-1:
Part I--Title Page.
Part II--A written narrative of no more than 10 single-sided pages
which will provide reviewers with sufficient information to effectively
evaluate the merits of the application according to the evaluation
criteria listed in this notice. Although a Statement of Work, which is
the second evaluation criterion, is to be completed in detail in RME
Form-2, applicants may wish to highlight certain unique features of the
Statement of Work in Part II for the benefit of the evaluation panel.
If your narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 10 pages will
be reviewed.
No smaller than 12 point font size.
Use an easily readable font face (e.g., Arial, Geneva,
Helvetica, Times Roman).
8.5 by 11 inch paper.
One-inch margins on each page.
Printed on only one side of paper.
Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not
bound or stapled in any other way.
Part III--A Budget Narrative, describing how the categorical costs
listed on SF 424-A are derived.
Part IV--(Not required for Targeted States Program).
5. ``Statement of Work,'' (Form RME-2), which identifies tasks and
subtasks in detail, expected completion dates and deliverables, and
RMA's substantial involvement role for the proposed project.
C. Submission Dates and Times
Applications Deadline: June 2, 2006. Applicants are responsible for
ensuring that RMA receives a complete application package by the
closing date and time. Incomplete or late application packages will not
receive further consideration.
D. Funding Restrictions
Cooperative agreement funds may not be used to:
a. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility including a processing facility;
b. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
c. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
d. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement
application;
e. Fund political activities;
f. Alcohol, food, beverage, or entertainment;
g. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving a cooperative agreement;
h. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019, as
applicable.
E. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits
Total costs for salary and benefits allowed for projects under this
announcement will be limited to not more than 25 percent reimbursement
of the funds awarded under the cooperative agreement. One goal of the
Targeted States Program is to maximize the use of the limited funding
available for crop insurance education for Targeted States. In order to
accomplish this goal, RMA needs to ensure that the maximum amount of
funds practicable is used for directly providing the educational
opportunities. Limiting the amount of funding for salaries and benefits
will allow the limited amount of funding to reach the maximum number of
farmers and ranchers.
F. Indirect Cost Rates
a. Indirect costs allowed for projects submitted under this
announcement will be limited to ten (10) percent of the total direct
cost of the cooperative agreement.
b. RMA will withhold all indirect cost rate funds for an award to
an applicant requesting indirect costs if the applicant has not
negotiated an indirect cost rate with its cognizant Federal agency.
c. If an applicant is in the process of negotiating an indirect
cost rate with its cognizant Federal agency, RMA will withhold all
indirect cost rate funds from that applicant until the indirect cost
rate has been established.
d. If an applicant's indirect cost rate has expired or will expire
prior to award announcements, a clear statement on renegotiation
efforts must be included in the application.
e. It is incumbent on all applicants to have a current indirect
cost rate or begin negotiations to establish an indirect cost rate
prior to the submission deadline. Because it may take several months to
obtain an indirect cost rate, applicants needing an indirect cost rate
are encouraged to start work on establishing these rates well in
advance of submitting an application. The U.S. Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) is responsible for assigning cognizant Federal agencies.
f. Applicants may be asked to provide a copy of their indirect cost
rate negotiated with their cognizant agency.
G. Other Submission Requirements
Mailed submissions: Applications submitted through express,
overnight mail or another delivery service will be considered as
meeting the announced deadline if they are received in the mailroom at
the address stated below 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. 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 below 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.
[[Page 19868]]
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 DC area requires.
Address when using private delivery services or when hand
delivering: Attention: Risk Management Education Program, USDA/RMA/RME,
Room 5720, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20250.
Address when using U.S. Postal Services: Attention: Risk Management
Education Program, USDA/RMA/RME/Stop 0808, Room 5720, South Building,
1400 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0808.
H. Electronic Submissions
Applications transmitted electronically via Grants.gov will be
accepted prior to the application date or time deadline. The
application package can be accessed via Grants.gov, go to http://www.grants.gov
, click on ``Find Grant Opportunities,'' click on
``Search Grant Opportunities,'' and enter the CFDA number (beginning of
the RFA) 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, you may contact Lon Burke, USDA-RMA-RME,
phone: (202) 720-5265, fax: (202) 690-3605, e-mail:
RMA.Risk-Ed@rma.usda.gov.
I. Acknowledgement of Applications
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever
possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide e-mail
addresses in their applications. 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
applicant does not receive an acknowledgement within 15 days of the
submission deadline, the applicant should notify RMA's point of contact
indicated in Section VII, Agency Contact.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria
Applications submitted under the Targeted States program will be
evaluated within each Targeted State according to the following
criteria:
Project Benefits--Maximum 35 Points
The applicant must demonstrate that the project benefits to farmers
and ranchers warrant the funding requested. Applicants will be scored
according to the extent they can: (a) Reasonably estimate the total
number of producers reached through the various educational activities
described in the Statement of Work; (b) justify such estimates with
clear specifics; (c) identify the actions producers will likely be able
to take as a result of the activities described in the Statement of
Work; and (d) identify the specific measures for evaluating results
that will be employed in the project. Reviewers' scoring will be based
on the scope and reasonableness of the applicant's estimates of
producers reached through the project, clear descriptions of specific
expected project benefits, and well-designed methods for measuring the
project's results and effectiveness.
Statement of Work--Maximum 25 Points
The applicant must produce a clear and specific Statement of Work
for the project. For each of the tasks contained in the Description of
Agreement Award (refer to Section II Award Information), the applicant
must identify and describe specific subtasks, responsible entities,
expected completion dates, RMA substantial involvement, and
deliverables that will further the purpose of this program. Applicants
will obtain a higher score to the extent that the Statement of Work is
specific, measurable, reasonable, has specific deadlines for the
completion of subtasks, relates directly to the required activities and
the program purpose described in this announcement. Applicants are
required to submit this Statement of Work on Form RME-2.
Partnering--Maximum 15 Points
The applicant must demonstrate experience and capacity to partner
with and gain the support of grower organizations, agribusiness
professionals, and agricultural leaders to carry out a local program of
education and information in a designated Targeted State. 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 group of farmers and ranchers will be reached within the
Targeted State; and (c) that a substantial effort has been made to
partner with organizations that can meet the needs of producers.
Project Management--Maximum 15 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
agricultural producers in the respective Targeted State. Applicants
that will employ, or have access to, personnel who have experience in
directing local educational programs that benefit agricultural
producers in the respective Targeted State will receive higher
rankings.
Past Performance--Maximum 10 Points
If the applicant has been a recipient of other Federal or other
government grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts, the applicant
must provide information relating to their past performance in
reporting on outputs and outcomes under past or current Federal
assistance agreements. The applicant must also detail that they have
consistently complied with financial and program reporting and auditing
requirements. RMA reserves the right to add up to 10 points and
subtract 5 points to applications due to past performance. Applicants
with very good past performance will receive a score from 6-10 points.
Applicants with acceptable past performance will receive a score from
1-5 points. Applicants with unacceptable past performance will receive
a score of minus 5 points for this evaluation factor. Applicants
without relevant past performance information will receive a neutral
score of the mean number of points of all applicants with past
performance. Under this cooperative partnership agreement, RMA will
subjectively rate the recipient on project performance as indicated in
Section II, G.
The applicant must list all current public or private support to
which personnel identified in the application have committed portions
of their time, whether or not salary support for persons involved is
included in the budget. An application that duplicates or overlaps
substantially with an application already reviewed and funded (or to be
funded) by another organization or agency will not be funded under this
program. The projects
[[Page 19869]]
proposed for funding should be included in the pending section.
Budget Appropriateness and Efficiency--Maximum 15 Points
Applicants must provide a detailed budget summary that clearly
explains and justifies costs associated with the project. Applicants
will receive higher scores to the extent that they can demonstrate a
fair and reasonable use of funds appropriate for the project and a
budget that contains the estimated cost of reaching each individual
producer. The applicant must provide information factors such as:
The allowability and necessity for individual cost
categories;
The reasonableness of amounts estimated for necessary
costs;
The basis used for allocating indirect or overhead costs;
and
The appropriateness of allocating particular overhead
costs to the proposed project as direct costs.
B. Review and Selection Process
Applications 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. Applications that meet announcement
requirements will be sorted into the Targeted State in which the
applicant proposes to conduct the project and will be presented to a
review panel for consideration.
Second, the review panel will meet to consider and discuss the
merits of each application. The panel will consist 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. After considering the merits of all
applications within a Targeted State, panel members will score each
application according to the criteria and point values listed above.
The panel will then rank each application against others within the
Targeted State according to the scores received. A lottery will be used
to resolve any instances of a tie score that might have a bearing on
funding recommendations. If such a lottery is required, the names of
all tied applicants will be entered into a drawing. The first tied
applicant drawn will have priority over other tied applicants for
funding consideration.
The review panel will report the results of the evaluation to the
Manager of FCIC. The panel's report will include the recommended
applicants to receive cooperative agreements for each Targeted State.
Funding will not be provided for an application receiving a score less
than 60. An organization, or group of organizations in partnership, may
apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to the
program described in this announcement. However, if the Manager of FCIC
determines that an application recommended for funding is sufficiently
similar to a project that has been funded or has been recommended to be
funded under another RMA or FCIC program, then the Manager may elect to
not fund that application in whole or in part. The Manager of FCIC will
make the final determination on those applications that will be awarded
funding.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Following approval by the awarding official of RMA of the
applications to be 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 cooperative agreements with those applicants.
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 or through September 30, 2007, whichever
is later.
After a cooperative agreement has been signed, RMA will 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, but are not limited to, incomplete applications,
applications with evaluation scores below 60, or applications with
evaluation scores that are lower than those of other applications in a
Targeted State.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Requirement To Use Program Logo
Applicants awarded cooperative agreements will be required to use a
program logo and design provided by RMA for all instructional and
promotional materials.
2. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-Selected
Contractor
Applicants awarded cooperative agreements may be required to assist
RMA in evaluating the effectiveness of its educational programs by
providing documentation of educational activities and related
information to any contractor selected by RMA for program evaluation
purposes.
3. 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 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. Also,
such entities will not be allowed to 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.
4. 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.
5. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
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
[[Page 19870]]
fiscal year, names of panel members will be made available. However,
panelists will not be identified with the review of any particular
application.
When an application results in a cooperative agreement, that
agreement 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 an application 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 applications not receiving awards
will be released only with the express written consent of the applicant
or to the extent required by law. An application may be withdrawn at
any time prior to award.
6. Audit Requirements
Applicants awarded cooperative agreements are subject to audit.
7. 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 updates 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 at the address and
telephone number listed in Section VII. Agency Contact.
8. Applicable OMB Circulars
All cooperative agreements funded as a result of this notice will
be subject to the requirements contained in all applicable OMB
circulars.
9. Requirement To Assure Compliance With Federal Civil Rights Laws
Project leaders of all cooperative 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 thereunder, 7 CFR 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.
10. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Conference
RMA requires that project leaders attend a post award conference to
become fully aware of cooperative agreement requirements and for
delineating the roles of RMA personnel and the procedures that will be
followed in administering the agreement and will afford an opportunity
for the orderly transition of agreement duties and obligations if
different personnel are to assume post-award responsibility. In their
applications, applicants should budget for possible travel costs
associated with attending this conference.
C. Reporting Requirements
Award recipients will be required to submit quarterly progress
reports, quarterly financial reports (OMB Standard Form 269), and
quarterly Activity Logs (Form RME-3) 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.
VII. Agency Contact
For Further Information Contact: Applicants and other interested
parties are encouraged to contact: Lon Burke, USDA-RMA-RME, phone: 202-
720-5265, fax: 202-690-3605, e-mail: RMA.Risk-Ed@rma.usda.gov. You may
also obtain information regarding this announcement from the RMA Web
site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements/.
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.
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 the Web site, http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum
of 5 business days to complete the CCR registration.
C. Related Programs
Funding availability for this program may be announced at
approximately the
[[Page 19871]]
same time as funding availability for similar but separate programs--
CFDA No. 10.455 (Community Outreach and Assistance Partnerships), CFDA
No. 10.456 (Risk Management Research Partnerships), CFDA No. 10.457
(Commodity Partnerships for Risk Management Education), and CFDA No.
10.459 (Commodity Partnerships Small Sessions Program). These programs
have some similarities, but also key differences. The differences stem
from important features of each program's authorizing legislation and
different RMA objectives. Prospective applicants should carefully
examine and compare the notices for each program.
Signed in Washington, DC on April 10, 2006.
Eldon Gould,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. E6-5756 Filed 4-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P