[Federal Register: August 25, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 165)]
[Notices]
[Page 49985-49990]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25au08-24]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Request for Proposals: Fiscal Year 2008 Funding Opportunity for
Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Initial notice of request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered
through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the
availability of $491,535 in competitive cooperative agreement funds for
fiscal year (FY) 2008 to conduct research on the national economic
impact of all types of cooperatives. USDA Rural Development hereby
requests proposals from institutions of higher education interested in
applying for a competitively awarded cooperative research agreement.
This funding is a follow on to funding awarded in FY 2006 and FY 2007,
the intent of which was to encourage research on the critical issue of
the economic value of cooperatives. Funding for FY 2008 is expected to
expand upon research undertaken with FY 2006 and FY 2007 funds.
DATES: Interested parties may submit completed applications for the
cooperative agreement on paper or electronically according to the
following deadlines:
Paper copies must be received by September 19, 2008, to be eligible
for FY 2008 funding. Electronic copies must be received by September
19, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 funding. Late applications are not
eligible for FY 2008 funding.
ADDRESSES: Applicants may obtain application forms, guides, and
materials for the cooperative agreement at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
rbs/coops/reic.htm or by contacting USDA Rural Development at (202)
720-8460, (TDD: (800) 877-8339, Federal Information Relay Service) and
ask for the cooperative research agreement application kit.
Submit completed paper applications for a cooperative agreement to
USDA Rural Development's Cooperative Programs, Attn: Cooperative
Research, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used
for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558.
Submit electronic applications at http://www.grants.gov, following
the instructions found on this Web site.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm, which contains application
guidance, including an Application Guide and application forms. Or you
may contact USDA Rural Development at (202) 720-8460 (TDD: (800) 877-
8339 Federal Information Relay Service).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., OMB must
approve all ``collections of information'' by USDA Rural Development.
The Act defines ``collection of information'' as a requirement for
``answers to * * * identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements
imposed on ten or more persons * * *.'' (44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A)). Because
the RFP is expected to receive less than 10 respondents, the Paperwork
Reduction Act does not apply.
Overview
Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Research on the Economic Impact of
Cooperatives.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.778
Dates: You may submit completed applications for the cooperative
agreement on paper or electronically according to the following
deadlines:
Paper copies must be received by September 19, 2008, to be eligible
for FY 2008 funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008
funding.
Electronic copies must be received by September 19, 2008, to be
eligible for FY 2008 funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY
2008 funding.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
This solicitation is issued pursuant to the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161) directing funds ``for a
cooperative research agreement with a qualified academic institution to
conduct research on the national economic impact of all types of
cooperatives.'' The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the
program's administration to USDA Rural Development.
The primary objective of this cooperative research agreement
program is to facilitate university research on the national economic
impact of cooperatives. This cooperative research agreement is a
continuation of research conducted in USDA Rural Development
cooperative research agreements RD-06-01 and RBS-07-31. As further
described below, data generated and results produced in cooperative
research agreements RD-06-01 and RBS-07-31 will be accessible to the
institution awarded this cooperative research agreement. To the extent
that this research program will generate further data, existing Web-
based methodologies will be used to enable cooperatives to enter
financial and other impact data on a periodic basis; apply the
methodology to collect data updates estimates of economic impact of
cooperatives; analyze the impact of cooperatives on local wealth
creation and retention, and analyze the total returns to investment in
cooperatives. Methodologies will need to account for cooperative
organizational complexity, such as a single organization's several
local, regional, and national locations, as well as sector differences.
The cooperative agreement proposal must address specifically, and
in detail sufficient to assess the effectiveness of proposed work, how
the following deliverables will be provided:
1. An analysis of how and the extent to which cooperatives
facilitate the creation and retention of wealth within the local
communities they serve. The analysis should include the identification
of cooperative models and practices that could enhance cooperative
contribution to local wealth creation. An estimate of cooperative
wealth creation should be made for the U.S. and for each of the
following four categories or classes of cooperatives:
i. Commercial sales or marketing--includes farm supply and
marketing, grocery and consumer goods, business-to-business, the
emerging ethanol and biofuels related industry, and manufacturing.
ii. Social and public services--includes housing, health care, day
care/elder care, transportation, and educational services.
iii. Financial services--includes credit unions, banks, and mutual
insurance.
iv. Utilities--includes electric, telephone, water, waste, and
other regulated utilities.
2. An analysis of the total returns to investment in cooperatives,
including returns to the cooperative businesses at the enterprise level
as well as the impact of cooperative returns and services to the
cooperatives' members at their enterprise levels. Total returns to
investment should be analyzed using the same classification scheme as
describe in Deliverable 1 above.
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3. Development of sound methodologies to utilize available and
newly-generated data to identify and measure the economic impacts of
cooperatives as to the following:
i. Local and regional significance and impact analysis using
appropriate input-output, social accounting matrix, and multiplier
tools;
ii. Differential economic impacts of cooperatives as compared to
other types of organizations performing the same general functions,
including but not limited to (a) the differential impacts of local
ownership versus ownership from outside the region and (b) any special
economic impacts generated by the patron-oriented characteristics of
cooperative businesses;
iii. Whether a non-cooperative business enterprise would exist in
the local or regional economy if the cooperative did not exist;
iv. Displacement or replacement of other businesses by
cooperatives;
v. Departure of a cooperative including a cooperative's replacement
by another type of business; and
vi. Impact on local, regional, and national tax generation and on
infrastructure.
4. Because output of the FY 2006 research will likely not be
available before January 2009, USDA Rural Development will arrange for
the winner of this competition to obtain updates and preliminary data
from the University of Wisconsin, the FY 2006 and FY 2007 award
recipient, as progress is being made on the FY 2006 and FY 2007
research. Data available to the FY 2008 award recipient will include:
i. number and headquarters location of cooperatives,
ii. volume measures appropriate for each sector (revenues, dollar
value, and other appropriate size indicators),
iii. number of persons impacted by the cooperative (members,
patrons, or investors), and
iv. number of full-time equivalent jobs and other economic impact
variables.
v. Cooperative data will be identified using the North American
Industry Classification System (NAICS).
5. Economic impact analyses as described in deliverables 3 and 4
above to be conducted on a sector basis. Sectors to be analyzed
include:
i. Housing,
ii. health care,
iii. daycare/elder care,
iv. financial services,
v. grocery/consumer retail,
vi. business-to-business (wholesaling, manufacturing),
vii. agricultural marketing (including organic and conventional),
viii. agricultural supplies and services,
ix. public services (including transportation and education),
x. renewable energy, and
xi. utilities.
6. The population of a database for individual cooperative and
summary data collected and additional data generated as necessary to
obtain economic impacts as described in deliverables 3 and 4 above. The
database is to be delivered to USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural
Development will work with the grantee to integrate data from this
deliverable into existing database applications.
7. The performance of subcontracting services, oversight, and
financial controls for the overall project.
8. The submission of quarterly progress reports and quarterly
financial reports to USDA Rural Development; and
9. The preparation and submission of publishable quality written
reports for Deliverables 1 through 5 to USDA Rural Development.
USDA Rural Development will competitively award one cooperative
agreement to fund the collection and analysis of data to determine the
national economic impact of cooperatives. An institution of higher
education may subcontract or collaborate with others on the research
and data collection. A formal consortium of academic institutions is
allowed.
Definitions
The definitions at 7 CFR 3019.2 are incorporated by reference.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2008.
Approximate Total Funding: $491,535.
Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
Approximate Average Award: $491,535.
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $491,535.
Anticipated Award Date: September 25, 2008.
Budget Period Length: 24 months.
Project Period Length: 24 months.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be institutions of higher education. Proposals may
be submitted by public or private colleges or universities, research
foundations maintained by a college or university, or private nonprofit
organizations funded by a group of colleges or universities.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
Matching funds are not required but are highly encouraged.
Applicants must verify in their applications that matching funds are
available for the time period of the agreement if the matching funds
are required to complete the project. Matching funds must be provided
by either the applicant or by a third party in the form of cash or in-
kind contributions. Matching funds must be spent on eligible expenses
and must be from eligible sources.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements
Indirect Cost Eligibility: Public Law 110-161, ``Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2008'' continues the provision which states ``No
funds appropriated by this Act may be used to pay negotiated indirect
cost rates on cooperative agreements or similar arrangements between
the United States Department of Agriculture and nonprofit institutions
in excess of 10 percent of the total direct cost of the agreement when
the purpose of such cooperative arrangements is to carry out programs
of mutual interest between the two parties.'' Indirect costs in excess
of 10 percent of the direct cost, therefore, will be ineligible for
funding.
Activity Eligibility: A cooperative agreement reflects a
relationship between the United States Government and an eligible
recipient where the principal purpose of the relationship is the
transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the
eligible recipient to carry out the desired research; and substantial
involvement is anticipated between USDA Rural Development acting for
the United States Government and the eligible recipient during the
performance of the research in the agreement. A cooperative agreement
is not a grant. Therefore, the project proposed must include a
description of USDA Rural Development's substantial participation. USDA
Rural Development may subsequently negotiate the nature of its
participation before the cooperative agreement is executed.
Applicants that propose budgets that include more than 10 percent
of total project costs that are ineligible for the program will be
ineligible, and the application will not be considered for funding.
However, if an application with 10 percent or less of ineligible costs
is selected for funding, all ineligible costs must be removed from the
project and replaced with eligible activities or the amount of the
award will be reduced accordingly.
Cooperative Agreement Period Eligibility: Applications that have a
timeframe of more than 24 months will
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be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.
Applications that request funds for a time period ending after
September 30, 2010, will not be considered for funding.
Completeness Eligibility: Applications without sufficient
information to determine eligibility will not be considered for
funding. Applications that are missing any required elements (in whole
or in part) will not be considered for funding.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Request Application Package
If you plan to apply using a paper application, you can obtain the
application package for this funding opportunity at http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm. If you plan to apply
electronically, you must visit http://www.grants.gov and follow the
instructions.
B. Content and Form of Submission
You may submit your application in paper or in an electronic
format. You may view the Application Guide at http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm.
If you submit your application in paper form, you must submit one
signed original of your complete application along with two additional
copies.
If you submit your application electronically, you must follow the
instructions given at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants are advised to
visit the site well in advance of the application deadline if they plan
to apply electronically to insure that they have obtained the proper
authentication and have sufficient computer resources to complete the
application.
An application must contain all of the following elements. Any
application that is missing any element or contains an incomplete
element will not be considered for funding:
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' In order
for this form to be considered complete, it must contain the legal name
of the applicant, the applicant's Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number, the applicant's complete mailing
address, the name and telephone number of a contact person, the
employer identification number (EIN), the start and end dates of the
project, the Federal funds requested, other funds that will be used as
matching funds, an answer to the question, ``Is applicant delinquent on
any Federal debt?'', the name and signature of an authorized
representative, the telephone number of the authorized representative,
and the date the form was signed. Other information requested on the
form may be applicable, but the above-listed information is required
for an application to be considered complete.
The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which
uniquely identifies business entities. Applicants can receive a DUNS
number at no cost by accessing http://www.dnb.com/us/ or calling (866)
705-5711.
2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
In order for this form to be considered complete, the applicant must
fill out Sections A, B, C, and D. The applicant must include both
Federal and any matching funds to be included.
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' In
order for this form to be considered complete, the form must be signed
by an authorized official and include the title, name of applicant, and
date.
4. Title Page. The title page must include the title of the project
as well as any other relevant identifying information. The length
should not exceed one page.
5. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each
proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately
following the title page.
6. Executive Summary. A summary of the proposal, not to exceed one
page, must briefly describe the project, including goals, tasks to be
completed, and other relevant information that provides a general
overview of the project. In the event an applicant submits more than
one page for this element, only the first page submitted will be
considered.
7. Eligibility Discussion. A detailed discussion, not to exceed
four pages, will describe how the applicant meets the eligibility
requirements. In the event that more than four pages are submitted,
only the first four pages will be considered.
i. Applicant Eligibility. The applicant must first describe how it
meets the definition of an institution of higher education.
ii. Purpose Eligibility. The applicant must describe how the
project purpose is eligible for funding. The project purpose is
comprised of two components. First, the applicant must describe how the
proposed project consists of activities needed to determine the
national economic impact of all types of cooperatives. Second, the
applicant must demonstrate that the combined activities are sufficient
to estimate the national economic impact of all types of cooperatives.
8. Proposal Narrative. The narrative must include the following
information:
i. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief,
not to exceed 75 characters, yet describe the essentials of the
project. It should match the project title submitted on the SF-424. The
project title does not need to appear on a separate page. It can be
included on the title page and/or on the information sheet.
ii. Information Sheet. A separate one-page information sheet
listing each of the evaluation criteria referenced in this funding
announcement followed by the page numbers of all relevant material
contained in the proposal that address or support each criterion.
iii. Goals of the Project. A clear statement of the ultimate goals
of the project must be included. There must be an explanation of how
economic benefit will be measured.
iv. Workplan. The narrative must contain a description of the
project and set forth the tasks involved in reasonable detail. The
description should specify the activity, who will perform the activity,
during what timeframe the activity will take place, and the cost of the
activity. Please note that one of the proposal evaluation criteria
evaluates the workplan and budget. Applicants should only submit the
workplan and budget once, either in this section or as part of the
workplan/budget evaluation criterion discussion.
v. Proposal Evaluation Criteria. Each of the proposal evaluation
criteria referenced in this funding announcement must be addressed,
specifically and individually, in narrative form.
9. Certification of Judgment. Applicants must certify that the
United States has not obtained a judgment against them. No Federal
funds shall be used to pay a judgment obtained by the United States. It
is suggested that applicants use the following language for the
certification. ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that the United
States has not obtained a judgment against it.'' A separate signature
is not required.
10. Verification of Matching Funds. Applicants must provide a
budget to support the workplan showing all sources and uses of funds
during the project period. Applicants will be required to verify any
and all matching funds, both cash and in-kind. All proposed matching
funds must be specifically documented in the application. If the
matching funds are to be provided by an in-kind contribution
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from the applicant, the application must include a signed letter from
an authorized representative of the applicant verifying the goods or
services to be donated, when the goods and services will be donated,
and the value of the goods or services. Applicants should note that
only goods or services for which no expenditure is made can be
considered in-kind. If the applicant is paying for goods and services
as part of the matching funds contribution, the expenditure is
considered a cash match, and should be verified as such. If the
matching funds are to be provided by a third party in cash, the
application must include a signed letter from that third party
verifying how much cash will be donated and when it will be donated.
Verification of funds donated outside the proposed time period of the
cooperative agreement will not be accepted. If the matching funds are
to be provided by a third party in-kind donation, the application must
include a signed letter from the third party verifying the goods or
services to be donated, when the goods and services will be donated,
and the value of the goods or services. Verification of in-kind
contributions donated outside the proposed time period of the
cooperative agreement will not be accepted. Verification of in-kind
contributions that are over-valued will not be accepted. The valuation
process for the in-kind funds does not need to be included in the
application, especially if it is lengthy, but the applicant must be
able to demonstrate how the valuation was achieved at the time of
notification of tentative selection for the award. If the applicant
cannot satisfactorily demonstrate how the valuation was determined, the
award may not be made.
If matching funds are in cash, they must be spent on goods and
services that are eligible expenditures for this cooperative agreement
program. If matching funds are in-kind contributions, the donated goods
or services must be considered eligible expenditures for this program.
The matching funds must be spent or donated during the agreement
period. (See 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019 for funds use eligibility
rules.)
If acceptable verification for all proposed matching funds is
missing from the application by the application deadline, the
application will receive zero points for the Funding Match part of the
evaluation criteria.
C. Submission Dates and Times
Application Deadline Date: September 19, 2008.
Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be RECEIVED by
the deadline date (see Section IV.F. for the address). Final electronic
applications must be RECEIVED by http://www.grants.gov by the deadline
date. If your application does not meet the deadline above, it will not
be considered for funding. You will be notified whether or not your
application was received on time.
D. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs, does not apply to this program.
E. Funding Restrictions
Funding restrictions apply to both Federal funds and matching
funds. Funds may only be used for activities related to determining the
economic impact of cooperatives.
No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used to:
1. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement
application;
2. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded project;
3. Fund political or lobbying activities;
4. Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 or 3019;
5. Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support
previously provided;
6. Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of agreement
approval; or
7. Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States.
F. Other Submission Requirements
You may submit your paper application for a cooperative agreement
to USDA Rural Development's Cooperative Programs, Attn: Cooperative
Research, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Ave., SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used for
FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558. You may also choose to submit your
application electronically at http://www.grants.gov. Final applications
may not be submitted by electronic mail, facsimile, or by hand-
delivery. Any application submission in a non-electronic format must
contain all required documents in one envelope.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria
All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based on
the following criteria and maximum point allowances. Failure to address
any one of the following criteria by the application deadline will
result in a determination of incomplete and the application will not be
considered for funding. The total points available for the set of
criteria are 100.
1. Relevance of the project proposal (30 points). Proposals will be
evaluated on how directly they address the stated objective of
demonstrating economic impact of all types of cooperatives in the
United States. Factors to be weighed by evaluators in scoring a
proposal's relevance will include the:
Definition of clear and objective measures of impact;
Definition of specific measurement strategies for
obtaining impact measures from each major cooperative sector and each
category of persons impacted by cooperatives; and
Description of sound data collection and analysis
methodology.
2. Quality of Workplan (30 points). The quality evaluation
criterion will be based on whether the proposal outlines a sound plan
of work that will meet the objectives in a timely and cost-efficient
manner. Factors to be weighed by evaluators in scoring a proposal's
workplan will include:
How well the steps for carrying out the work are defined;
The logic of the sequence of proposed steps and the
likelihood they will achieve their intended result;
The establishment of clear benchmarks and timetables to
measure the progress of the project;
The detail, accuracy, and reasonableness of the project's
proposed budget; and
The ability to replicate measures from the FY 2006 and FY
2007 funding cycles.
3. Quality of personnel and management plan (20 points). The
quality of the management plan and the personnel involved in carrying
out the proposed project will evaluate the capabilities of the
individuals and institutions to implement the work plan in an effective
manner. Factors to be weighed by evaluators in scoring a proposal's
personnel and management plan will include the:
Experience of project leaders and the lead institution in
managing complex research projects;
Demonstration of a clear understanding of business models
and general economic development;
Management controls, progress measurements, and reporting
systems within a structured project management plan; and
Experience and relevant skills of researchers,
consultants, and
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subcontractors assigned to carry out specific roles in the project.
4. Funding match and cooperative community support (20 points).
Points will be awarded on the basis of the percentage match provided by
the applicant and the level of support for the proposal from the
cooperative community as evidenced by contribution of resources to the
match and other indications of support.
Up to 20 points will be awarded for matching funds
provided by or arranged for by the applicant. Two points will be
awarded for each 5 percent match, up to a maximum of 20 points for a 50
percent match.
B. Review and Selection Process
Each application will be initially reviewed by Rural Development
personnel for eligibility and to determine whether all required
elements are complete. A list of required elements follows:
SF-424
SF-424A
SF-424B
Title Page
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Applicant Eligibility Discussion
Purpose Eligibility Discussion
Project Title
Information Sheet
Goals of the Project
Work Plan
Proposal Evaluation Criterion 1
Proposal Evaluation Criterion 2
Proposal Evaluation Criterion 3
Proposal Evaluation Criterion 4
Certification of Judgment
Verification of any Matching Funds
Any incomplete or ineligible applications will not be further
evaluated or considered for funding.
All eligible and complete proposals will be evaluated by a team of
at least three reviewers based on criteria 1 through 4 described in
paragraph A of this section. Reviewers will represent the Rural
Development broad mission area, and will include at least three
employees of USDA.
Once the scores for criteria 1 through 4 have been independently
completed by the three reviewers, the scores will be used to rank the
proposals. If the three reviewers rank the best proposal differently
then, with the aid of a facilitator, the three reviewers will develop a
consensus ranking. If the three reviewers cannot reach a consensus, two
additional reviewers will review the proposals and be added to the
rankings. A final ranking will be obtained based on the consensus
rankings of the three member review panel, or, if appointed, the
average of the five reviewers' rankings. Final award recommendation
will be sent to the Under Secretary for Rural Development for final
selection concurrence.
After the award selection is made, all applicants will be notified
of the status of their applications by mail. The awardee must meet all
statutory and regulatory program requirements in order to receive the
award. In the event that an awardee cannot meet the requirements, the
award will be withdrawn.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Award Date: The announcement of award selection is expected to
occur on or about September 25, 2008.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
The successful applicant will receive a notification of tentative
selection for funding from USDA Rural Development. The applicant must
sign a mutually agreed to cooperative agreement and comply with all
applicable statutes, regulations, and this notice before the award will
receive final approval.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification, including
mediation procedures and appeal rights, by mail.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
This award is subject to 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019. These
regulations may be accessed at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-
table-search.html#page1.
The following additional documentation requirements apply to the
awardee selected for this program:
Agency Approved Cooperative Agreement
Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds''
Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered
Transactions''
Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered
Transactions''
Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements (Grants)''
Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement''
Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement''
Additional information on these requirements can be found at http:/
/www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm.
Reporting Requirements: You must provide USDA Rural Development
with an original or an electronic copy that includes all required
signatures of the following reports. The reports should be submitted to
the Agency contact listed on your Cooperative Agreement. Failure to
submit satisfactory reports on time may result in suspension or
termination of your award.
1. Form SF-269 or SF-269A. A ``Financial Status Report,'' listing
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a quarterly
basis. Reporting periods end each December 31, March 31, June 30, and
September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends.
2. Quarterly performance reports that compare accomplishments to
the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed to
date and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the
original schedule provided in the workplan is not being met, the report
should discuss the problems or delays that may affect completion of the
project. Objectives for the next reporting period should be listed.
Compliance with any special condition on the use of award funds should
be discussed. Reporting periods end each December 31, March 31, June
30, and September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the reporting
period ends. Supporting documentation must also be submitted for
completed tasks. The supporting documentation for completed tasks
include, but are not limited to, questionnaire or interview guides,
publications of research findings, summaries of data collected, and any
other documentation related to how funds were spent.
3. Final Project performance reports that compare accomplishments
to the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed
and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the
original schedule provided in the workplan was not met, the report must
discuss the problems or delays that affected completion of the project.
Compliance with any special condition on the use of award funds should
be discussed. Supporting documentation for completed tasks must also be
submitted. The supporting documentation for completed tasks include,
but are not limited to, publications of research findings, summaries of
data collected, documentation of data and software delivered to USDA
Rural Development, and any other documentation related to how funds
were spent. The final performance report is due within 90 days of the
completion of the project.
[[Page 49990]]
VII. Agency Contacts
For general questions about this announcement and for program
technical assistance, please contact the USDA Rural Development's
Cooperative Programs, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250, Telephone: (202)
720-8460 (TDD: (800) 877-8339 Federal Information Relay Service), e-
mail: cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov.
VIII. Non-Discrimination Statement
USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on
the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where
applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status,
religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs,
reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived
from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to
all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means
for communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600
(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA,
Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202)
720-6382 (TDD). ``USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and
lender.''
Dated: August 4, 2008.
Ben Anderson,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. E8-19599 Filed 8-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P