[Federal Register: August 19, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 161)]
[Notices]
[Page 48363-48368]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19au08-36]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) To Invite Applications for
the American Indian Credit Outreach Initiative
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 48364]]
SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is requesting applications for
competitive cooperative agreement funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 for
the credit outreach initiative targeted to American Indian farmers,
ranchers, and youth residing primarily on Indian reservations within
the contiguous United States. FSA anticipates the availability of
$746,496 in funding and the award to one successful applicant through a
Cooperative Agreement. This request for applications is being made
prior to passage of an FY 2009 appropriations bill to allow applicants
sufficient time to submit proposals, give the Agency maximum time to
process applications, and permit continuity of this program. FSA
requests proposals from eligible non-profit organizations, land-grant
institutions, and federally-recognized Indian tribal governments
interested in a competitively-awarded cooperative agreement to create
and implement a mechanism that will provide credit outreach and
promotion, pre-loan education, and one-on-one loan application
preparation assistance to American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth.
Successful proposals may include other innovative services intended to
enhance participation by American Indians in specific FSA's
Agricultural Credit Programs.
DATES: Applications must be completed and submitted to the Agency no
later than 5 p.m. eastern time September 18, 2008. Late applications
will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant. Applicants
must ensure that the service used to deliver the application can do so
by the deadline. Due to security concerns, packages sent to the Agency
by mail have been delayed several days or even weeks.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications and other required materials by mail to:
Mike Hill, Director, Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP
0511, Suite 508 Portals Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-0511.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Hill, (202) 690-1098; e-mail:
mike.hill@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of Solicitation
This solicitation is issued under 7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)(4), which
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative
agreements to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal
programs affecting rural areas. The principal objective of this
cooperative agreement is to continue a national outreach program that
enables American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth primarily located
on Indian reservations in the contiguous United States to understand
and have access to the various FSA Agriculture Credit Programs.
Proposal Requirements
All proposed approaches must include a plan for how the project
will have the following capabilities in place within three months after
acceptance of award:
(1) A data tracking system that records and tracks all project
credit outreach activities and has the ability to provide detailed
statistical information on an ad hoc basis, that must also be
functional on a real-time basis as well as being available online
through the Internet, and
(2) The demonstrated ability to deliver these credit outreach
services utilizing the FSA online Farm Business Plan software program.
Proposals must demonstrate innovative and unique ways of ensuring
that American Indians have improved access to FSA Agricultural Credit
Programs through targeted outreach activities including targeted
promotional campaigns, educational programs, general information
dissemination, and one-on-one assistance.
Background
Today, American Indians own and control approximately 66 million
acres of agricultural lands held in trust by the United States
Government and administered, for the most part, by the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) of the Department of the Interior. Land-based
agricultural enterprises are considered the primary source of revenue
for most tribes, due in large part to their geographical isolation from
any urban type industrial development activities. Thus, protecting this
resource and utilizing it effectively is an important function of the
elected tribal officials charged with operating business activities
that take place within reservations.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides farmers
and ranchers technical, financial, and educational resources. American
Indian agricultural producers on reservations have historically been
less able to benefit from USDA services than other farmers and
ranchers. Since 1987, Congress has enacted Federal laws, such as the
recent Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246,
2008 Farm Bill), to address American Indians' lack of access to USDA's
programs and services; this has resulted in beginning to close some of
the gaps in access to these programs and services. As positive as these
changes are, they have not fully addressed an implementation plan or
the funds needed to carry out implementation of sorely needed
agribusiness education and direct services to American Indian
Reservation farmers and ranchers.
American Indian agribusinesses, as well as individual Indians, have
consistently reported that the primary need in Indian agriculture is
access to the capital required to own and operate their own farms or
ranches. Therefore, FSA has created and implemented this cooperative
funding mechanism to provide credit outreach and other related training
and assistance services related to FSA's Agricultural Credit Programs,
subject to funding, as a way to resolve some of the credit needs of
Indian agriculture.
Definitions
The following definitions are applicable to this Notice.
Agency or FSA. The United States Department of Agriculture Farm
Service Agency.
Farm land. Land used for commercial agriculture crops, poultry and
livestock enterprises, or aquaculture.
Federally-Recognized Indian Tribal Government. The governing body
or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other
organized group or community (including any Native village as defined
in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C.
1602)) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the
special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian
Affairs.
Land Grant Institutions.
(1) A 1994 institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)),
or an 1890 institution.
(2) An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native
cooperative college.
(3) A Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 1404 of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
Non-Profit Organization. Any corporation, trust, association,
cooperative, or other organization that:
(1) Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service,
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
(2) Is not organized primarily for profit; and
(3) Is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as being
certified as
[[Page 48365]]
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)).
Recipient Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must either be a non-profit organization, a federally
recognized Indian tribe, or a land grant institution as defined above.
Applications without sufficient information to determine eligibility
will not be considered.
Proposal Preparation
A proposal must contain an original and two copies of the following
(Contact Mike Hill (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above) if you
need help getting the forms):
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
4. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each
proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately
following the required Federal forms. The Table of Contents should
include page numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination
should begin immediately following the Table of Contents.
5. Proposal Summary. A summary of the project proposal, not to
exceed one page, that includes the title of the project, a description
of the project (including goals and tasks to be accomplished), the
names of the individuals responsible for conducting and completing the
tasks, and the expected time frame for completing all tasks (which
should not exceed twelve months).
6. Eligibility. A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages,
describing how the applicant meets the definition of land grant
institution, nonprofit organization, or Federally recognized Indian
tribal government. In addition, the applicant must describe all other
collaborative organizations that may be involved in the project.
7. Proposal Narrative. The narrative portion of the project
proposal must be in a font such as Times New Roman (12 pt.) or
comparable font and must include the following:
(a) Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief,
not to exceed 100 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the
project.
(b) Information Sheet. A separate one page information sheet that
lists each of the seven evaluation criteria listed in this NOFA (see
the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' section below) followed by the
page numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in
the proposal that address or support that criteria.
(c) Goals and Objectives of the Project. A clear statement of the
ultimate goals and objectives of the project must be presented.
(d) Evaluation Criteria. Each of the seven evaluation criteria
listed in this NOFA (see the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights''
section below) must be addressed specifically and individually by
category. These criteria should be in narrative form with any specific
supporting documentation attached as addenda and should be placed
directly following the proposal narrative. If other materials,
including financial statements, will be used to support any evaluation
criteria it should also be placed directly following the proposal
narrative. The applicant must also propose and delineate significant
agency participation in the project.
Amount of Award
The amount of funds expected to be available for FY 2009 is
approximately $746,496 based on historical funding levels. If actual
funding differs from this amount, the Agency will publish a separate
Notice of Funds Availability. Expenses incurred in developing
applications will be at the applicant's risk.
Number of Awards
Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded.
Eligible Cooperative Agreement Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds may be used to cover allowable costs
incurred by the recipient and approved by the Agency. Allowable costs
are governed by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as applicable, and
applicable Office of Management and Budget Circulars.
Ineligible Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds must 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, including mobile
and other processing equipment;
(3) Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement
application;
(4) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture (for
example, cooperative agreement funds cannot be used to support the
organization's general operations);
(5) Fund political or lobbying activities;
(6) Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this Cooperative
Agreement;
(7) Fund any activity prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and
3019, as applicable; and
(8) Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific
physical facility.
Evaluation Criteria, Proposal Review
A National Office panel of USDA employees will review applications
for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to this NOFA.
Incomplete or non-responsive applications will be returned to the
applicant and not evaluated further. If the submission deadline has not
expired and time permits, ineligible applications may be returned to
the applicants for possible revision.
The proposal will be evaluated using the criteria specified below.
Failure to address any one of the criteria will disqualify the
application. All proposals must be in compliance with this NOFA and
applicable statutes.
Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made
by FSA Outreach Staff for responsiveness to this solicitation.
Proposals that do not fall within the solicitation guidelines or are
otherwise ineligible will be eliminated from competition. All
responsive proposals will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers using the
evaluation criteria stated below. The selected USDA employee reviewers
will be chosen to provide maximum expertise and objective judgment in
the evaluation of proposals. Evaluated proposals will be ranked by the
FSA Outreach Staff based on the evaluation criteria and weights listed
below. Final approval of those proposals will be made by the
Administrator of FSA, subject to the availability of funding.
Evaluation Criteria and Weights
All responsive proposals will be reviewed based on the following
seven criteria:
(1) Applicant's Commitment and Resources (15 points). The standard
evaluates the degree to which the organization is committed to the
project, and the experience, qualifications, competency, and
availability of personnel and resources to direct and carry out the
project. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate its ability to
deliver credit outreach services utilizing the FSA online Farm Business
Plan software program after acceptance of any financial award.
(2) Feasibility and Policy Consistency (20 points). The standard
evaluates the degree to which the proposal clearly describes its
objectives and evidences a high level of feasibility. This criterion
relates to the adequacy and soundness
[[Page 48366]]
of the proposed approach to the solution of the problem and evaluates
the plan of operation, timetable, evaluation, and dissemination plans.
(3) Detailed Description of Collaborative Partnerships, if any, and
Program Recipients (20 points). This standard evaluates the degree to
which the proposal reflects partnerships and collaborative initiatives
with other agencies or organizations to enhance the quality and
effectiveness of the program. Additionally, the areas and number of
underserved American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth who would
benefit from the services offered will be evaluated.
(4) Outreach to Socially Disadvantaged American Indian Applicants
(10 points). This standard evaluates the degree to which the proposal
contains detailed programs to reach persons identified as socially
disadvantaged American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth. The
proposal will be evaluated for its potential for encouraging and
assisting socially disadvantaged American Indian farmers, ranchers, and
youth to utilize the various FSA agriculture credit programs. Elements
considered include impact, continuation plans, innovation, and expected
products and results.
(5) Innovative Strategies (25 points). This standard evaluates the
degree to which the proposal reflects innovative strategies for
reaching the population targeted in the proposal and achieving the
project objectives. This standard will also evaluate data tracking
capability. For data tracking, the standard evaluates evidence that the
applicant has the ability to put in place a data tracking system that
can record and track all credit outreach activities and the ability to
provide detailed statistical information on an ad hoc basis, with
additional evidence supporting the system's ability to function on a
real-time basis as well its ability to be available online through the
Internet. For innovative solutions, the standard evaluates originality,
practicality, and creativity in proposing ways to develop and test
innovative solutions to existing or anticipated credit issues or
problems of socially disadvantaged American Indian farmers, ranchers,
and youth. The proposal will be reviewed for its responsiveness to the
need to provide socially disadvantaged American Indian farmers,
ranchers, and youth with promotion, relevant information, and direct
assistance in applying for and receiving FSA agriculture credit, and
other essential information to enhance participation in agricultural
programs and conduct a successful farming or ranching operation.
(6) Overall Quality of the Proposal (5 points). This standard
evaluates the degree to which the proposal complies with this NOFA and
is of high quality. Elements considered include adherence to
instructions, accuracy and completeness of forms, clarity and
organization of ideas, thoroughness and sufficiency of detail in the
budget narrative, specificity of allocations between targeted areas if
the proposal addresses more than one area, and completeness of vitae
for all key personnel associated with the project.
(7) Accuracy of Proposed Budget and Justification (5 points). This
standard evaluates the accuracy of the proposed budget and the
accompanying budget justification. The proposed budget should provide a
detailed description of each budget category that includes categorical
subtotals as well as a separate budget justification that clearly
defines and explains each and every proposed budget line item.
Selection Process
When the reviewers have completed their individual evaluations, the
panel reviewers, based on the individual reviews, will make a
recommendation to the Administrator that one responsive proposal be
approved for support from available funds. Prior to award, the
Administrator reserves the right to negotiate with an applicant whose
project is recommended for funding regarding project revisions (for
example, change in scope of work or the Agency's significant
involvement), funding level, or period of support. A proposal may be
withdrawn at any time before a final funding decision is made.
Cooperative Agreement Awards
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the
Administrator will enter into a cooperative agreement with the
successful applicant. The date specified by the Administrator as the
effective date of the award will not be later than 12 months after the
project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such
purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law.
When To Submit an Application
The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5 p.m. eastern time
September 18, 2008 The Agency will not accept any application received
after the deadline.
Cooperator Requirements
Cooperators will be required to do the following:
Sign required Federal grant-making forms including:
[cir] Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions;
[cir] Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions;
[cir] Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants); and
[cir] Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).
Use Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or
Reimbursement to request payments.
Submit a Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report, and
list expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. A semi-annual financial report is due within 45 days
after the first 6-month project period and an annual financial report
is due within 60 days after the second 6-month project period.
Submit quarterly performance reports that compare
accomplishments to the objectives; if established objectives are not
met, discuss problems, delays, or other problems that may affect
completion of the project; establish objectives for the next reporting
period; and discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use
of awarded funds.
Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable
to the Agency.
Submit a final project performance report.
Sign an agency approved cooperative agreement (an example
of which is provided at the end of this notice).
Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
In addition to the requirements provided in this notice, other
Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for
review and to our cooperative agreement awarded. These include, but are
not limited to:
7 CFR part 15, subpart A, Nondiscrimination in Federally-
Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture-Effectuation of
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
7 CFR parts 3016, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments;
7 CFR part 3017, Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension
(Non-procurement);
7 CFR part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying;
[[Page 48367]]
7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals,
and Other Non-profit Organizations;
7 CFR part 3021, Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Financial Assistance); and
7 CFR part 3052, Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to this NOFA because the
program does not receive applications from more than 10 persons covered
by the 5 CFR 1320.3(c).
Signed in Washington, DC on August 13, 2008.
Glen L. Keppy,
Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
United States Department of Agriculture
Farm Service Agency
Cooperative Agreement--American Indian Outreach Initiative
This Cooperative Agreement (Agreement) dated--------, between------
----------(Cooperator), and the United States of America, acting
through the Farm Service Agency of the Department of Agriculture (the
Agency), for $-------- in cooperative agreement funds under the
program, delineates the agreement of the parties.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the cooperative agreement;
The parties agree that:
(1) All the terms and provisions of the Notice entitled ``Notice of
Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the American Indian
Credit Outreach Initiative,'' published in the Federal Register on
August 19, 2008 and the application submitted by the Cooperator for
this Agreement, including any attachments or amendments, are
incorporated and included as part of this Agreement. Any changes to
these documents or this agreement must be approved in writing by the
Agency.
(2) As a condition of the Agreement, the Cooperator certifies that
it is in compliance with and will comply in the course of the Agreement
with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and other
generally applicable requirements, including those contained in 7 CFR
3015.205(b), which are incorporated into this agreement by reference,
and such other statutory provisions as are specifically contained
herein. The Cooperator will comply with title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and
Executive Order 12250.
(3) The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance
Regulations, and 7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements
for Grants and Agreements with institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations, as applicable, are
incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference.
Further, the Cooperator agrees that it will:
(1) Not use cooperative agreement funds to plan, repair,
rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility (including a
processing facility); or to purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment.
(2) Use funds only for the purpose and activities specified in the
proposal approved by the Agency including the approved budget. Any uses
not provided for in the approved budget must be approved in writing by
the Agency in advance of obligation by the Agency.
(3) Submit a Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. Reports are due by April 30 and October 30 after the
cooperative agreement is awarded.
(4) Provide periodic reports as required by the Agency. A financial
status report and a project performance report will be required on a
semi-annual basis. The financial status report must show how
cooperative agreement funds have been used to date and project the
funds needed and their purposes for the next quarter. A final report
may serve as the last semi-annual report. Cooperators must constantly
monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and
projected goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project
performance reports must include the following:
a. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for
that period.
b. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable.
c. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which
will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent meeting
time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular
objectives during established time periods. This disclosure must be
accomplished by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve
the situation.
d. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting
period.
e. The final report will also address the following:
(i) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program?
(ii) What advice you would give to other organizations planning a
similar program. These should include strengths and limitations of the
program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done
differently?
(iii) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the
cooperator should describe their program in detail so that other
organizations might consider replication in their areas.
5. Provide Financial Management Systems which will include:
a. Records that identify adequately the source and application of
funds for cooperative agreement supported activities. Those records
must contain information pertaining to grant and cooperative agreement
awards and authorizations, obligations, un-obligated balances, assets,
liabilities, outlays, and income.
b. Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets. Cooperator must adequately safeguard all
such assets and ensure that they are used solely for authorized
purposes.
c. Accounting records supported by source documentation.
6. Retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical
records, and all other records pertinent to the cooperative agreement
for a period of at least 3 years after closing, except that the records
must be retained beyond the 3-year period if audit findings have not
been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies or similar methods may be
substituted in lieu of original records. The Agency and the Comptroller
General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized
representatives, must have access to any books, documents, papers, and
records of the Cooperator that are pertinent to the specific
cooperative agreement program for the purpose of making audits,
examinations, excerpts, and transcripts.
7. Not encumber, transfer, or dispose of the equipment or any part
thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Agency funds without the
written consent of the Agency.
8. Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have been
received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources (public
or private).
The Agency agrees to make funds available to the Cooperator under
this Agreement in an amount not to exceed the amount indicated above.
The funds will be reimbursed or advanced based on submission to the
Agency by the
[[Page 48368]]
Cooperator of a complete Standard Form 270.
Authorized and executed this day by:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Cooperator)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FARM SERVICE AGENCY
By:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)
[FR Doc. E8-19156 Filed 8-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P