The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) announced the availability of approximately $300,000 in competitive grants through the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative (SGIG) in the Federal Register on August 18. The primary objective of the grants will be to fund a number of diverse projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat industries through product or business development, producer information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention or animal health at the regional, national or international level.

Linda Campbell, Chair of the NSIIC from Luray, Virginia said, "This will be the third round of this very popular grant program and it has been a great addition to the existing direct, low interest loan program conducted through the National Livestock Producers Association." These are all programs funded by the NSIIC Board of Directors to help provide infrastructure capital to the sheep and gaot industries." She further stated that "I am pleased that we have this grant program that will further meet the sheep and goat industries needs through small targeted grants. I hope that there are sheep and goat industry projects where these grant funds can help to leverage other private funds or other NSIIC programs to capitalize much needed industry projects."

Completed proposals and other required materials must be received no later than November 18, 2003 with proposed projects to be completed by September 30, 2005 and should be submitted to Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO , USDA-NSIIC, PO Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483 if using the US Postal Service or Room 2117, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 if using other carriers. For further information please telephone NSIIC at (202) 690-0632 or (207) 236-6567 or email steve.lee@usda.gov  or info@nsiic.org .

# # # #

Chicago- August 9, 2003 The third annual Listening Session sponsored by the Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center was held on August 9 in Chicago. The Listening Session is held yearly to allow all segment of the industry to voice their opinions as to what are the priorities and needs requiring the Center's focus during the upcoming year. The Listening Session assists the Sheep Center in awarding grants to projects that benefit the Sheep and Goat Industry whether product or business development, producer information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention or animal health at the regional, national or international level. These grants are awarded based on priorities that the board sets after listening to as many segments of the industry as it can during these and other meetings it holds during the year.

The annual Listening Session is open to the public and representatives from ten national organizations including the newly formed American Lamb Board were present to express their concerns and priorities for funding.

Moderator Paul Lewis of the Sheep Center Board facilitated the group in discussing strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats that face the industry and how the changing patterns of agriculture are effecting success daily.

GOAT INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE

Chicago- August 8, 2003 -- The Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center sponsored a meeting with the national leaders of the goat industry in Chicago on August 8. The Linda Campbell, Board Chair, said "the Roundtable had been requested by several national leaders of the goat industry to provide a forum for the various sectors of milk, meat and fiber to discuss how they could strengthen their ability to confront industry issues such as marketing, health, research and communications."  The meeting was open to whoever wanted to attend and there were representatives from eight national goat associations.

Representatives of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) also attended to determine if there were joint actions and projects that could be funded to benefit producers of both species. The sheep and goat meeting held August 8 was the widest attended meeting yet between industry leadership and a full day of earnest discussions centered on the common interests and needs of sheep and goats. ASI has assisted goat producers with the Livestock Compensation programs of 2002 and 2003 as well as the marketing loan for mohair in the 2002 farm bill. Leading officials of the goat organizations from meat goat to dairy to breed registries set forth discussions of national coordination within their industry and review of possible alignment with ASI. "We commend the Center for organizing this important meeting, likely the first sheep/goat meeting of this status conducted in the U.S.". stated Guy Flora, current president of ASI.

NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT CENTER ENTERS NEW ERA

Washington, DC, February 10, 2003 - The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center chose Linda Campbell of Luray, Virginia as their new Chair during their Annual Meeting today. Linda has served as the Vice-Chair the past year and has been on the Board since 1999. She is an active dairy, meat and fiber goat producer in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with a strong background in foreign export marketing of breeding stock, mainly to Asia and Europe. Joining Linda in the leadership is Chase Hibbard as the Vice-Chair and Jeff Siddoway as the Secretary-Treasurer. Chase was just appointed to the Board and has a diversified sheep and cattle operation as well as offering ranch management, appraisals and consulting services in Montana. Jeff is a large commercial sheep producer from Idaho and has been on the Board since 2002.

Linda will replace Pierce Miller of Texas as Chairman. Pierce has served as the Chairman since the first Board of Directors was seated in February 1997. The NSIIC is a unique pilot program authorized in the 1996 Farm Bill to provide financial assistance through a variety of funding mechanisms for the enhancement and marketing of sheep or goat products in the United States with an emphasis on infrastructure development.

The Board also approved a third year of competitive grants targeting a variety of small diverse projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat industries. The competitive grant initiative is currently in its second year and has already funded 17 projects. The Board approved a 33% increase in the funds available for this program because of the broad interests and need. It is expected that the announcement for the grants will be published in the Federal Register in early June. For more details and updates please visit the NSIIC web site at www.nsiic.org.

SECRETARY VENEMAN MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO THE NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT CENTER

Washington, DC, January 28, 2003 - Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the appointment of Glen Fisher of Texas, Chase Hibbard of Montana and Paul Lewis of California to serve as members of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) Board of Directors. The NSIIC  is managed by this Board of Directors that is appointed by, and reports to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors consists of 7 voting members chosen from the sheep and goat industries and the respective Under Secretaries for Rural Development and Research, Education and Economics who serve as non-voting members. Mr. Fisher will serve in a position reserved for active producers of sheep or goats in the United States and Mr. Hibbard and Mr. Lewis will serve in positions reserved for individuals with "expertise in finance and management". Their term of service will begin at the annual meeting on February 10, 2003.

The three Board members who are leaving the Board are Pierce Miller of Texas, Larry Becker of Wisconsin and Bill Bonde of California. Mr. Miller and Mr. Bonde have filled positions reserved for individuals with finance and management expertise and Mr. Becker has served as an active producer. All three members have served two terms and are not eligible for reappointment.

Glen Fisher is the manager of Askew Ranch and owner operator of Fisher Ranching in Sonora, Texas. He has been actively ranching for 25 years and manages 1,800 ewes and 400 mother cows. He has a BS in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech. and a Masters in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State. He served as an Economist for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service for 5 years and has 19 years experience managing wool and mohair marketing warehouses. He is the immediate past president of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Assn. and is currently the Chairman of the American Sheep Industry Association Wool Council

Chase Hibbard is an active sheep and cattle rancher with 1,200 ewes and 1,600 mother cows in Montana along with offering ranch management, appraisals and consulting services. He has a BA in Political Science from Amherst and an MBA from University of San Francisco. Mr. Hibbard has 30 years of financial experience beginning as a lending officer for Crocker Bank and extending to currently being a director for Wells Fargo Bank in Helena. He was a member of the Montana House of Representatives for 4 terms and has served as the President of numerous local, state and national organizations including past president of four national organizations, and past president/chairman of six state organizations. He has also on the governing boards of numerous other public and industry related organizations.

Paul Lewis is actively involved in the production of over 1,000 ewes in California’s Central Valley. He and  his wife have been active partners in the family ranching and farming operation for 35 years. He has a BS in Mathematics from Cal. Poly State Univ., San Luis Obispo and extensive financial training as part of 38 years with State Farm where he is currently the Field Executive for 10 Northern California Counties. He is the First Vice President of the California Wool Growers Association, President of the local sheep association and past president of the California Farm Bureau Sheep Committee  and the California Suffolk Sheep Breeders Assn.

The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC), or Sheep Center, was authorized in the 1996 Farm Bill to provide financial assistance through a variety of funding mechanisms for the enhancement and marketing of sheep or goat products in the United States with an emphasis on infrastructure development. The NSIIC is a unique pilot program that currently has three major program areas that are up and going. The biggest effort is a low interest loan program with $14 million in low interest loans to a diversity of projects targeting infrastructure development. This program is administered through an intermediary relending arrangement with the National Livestock Producers Association. Over 20 projects are currently funded with more in the works as the lending cycle is ongoing, the interest rate is currently fixed at 5%. The second program was initiated by the Secretary of Agriculture to stimulate the lamb meat market and resulted in using $5 million of NSIIC funds for 23 lamb industry programs. The final NSIIC a competitive grant program that is intended to fund a variety of small diverse projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat industries. The competitive grant program is in its second year and has funded 17 projects.

#  #  #  #

Sheep Center Listening Session Announced 

Washington DC - June 17, 2004,  

Linda Campbell, Chair of The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) announced that the Board of Directors will be meeting in Park City, Utah to hold a Board meeting and conduct a listening session.   

The listening session format was first used by NSIIC in 2000 as a vehicle to provide industry input from the various sectors of the nation’s sheep and goat industries.  The first annual session was held in Colorado, followed by Texas and Illinois.  The 2003 session incorporated a full day of working with issues that are unique to the goat industry.   A less formal session was held earlier this year in Maryland. 

Chair Campbell said “These listening sessions have proven to be a valuable tool in helping the Board of Directors understand the issues that are important to all segments of our industries and their products.”  She further stated that "While the Board has previously only had one listening session each year, we decided a second session was appropriate this year as our earlier event was geared more towards individually visiting with participants of an event rather than a more structured listening session with all Board members together to hear the ideas and concerns of the industries." 

The Park City listening session will begin at 1:00 pm on August 5^th and is open to all who have comments concerning the NSIIC.  It will be held at the Marriott Hotel, 1895 Sidewinder Drive,  Park City, UT 84060 Phone: 1 435-649-2900 Fax: 1 435-649-4852.  For further information please visit the NSIIC website at http://www.nsiic.org, e-mail info@nsiic.org or call 202-690-0632. 

#  #  #  # 

Federal Register: November 12, 2003 Notices               

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center; Solicitation of 
Nominations of Board Members

AGENCY: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, USDA.

ACTION: Notice: Invitation to submit nominations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) announces that it is accepting
nominations for the Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center for two 
voting directors' positions whose terms expire on February 13, 2004. One position is for a 
member who have has expertise in lamb, wool, goat, or goat product marketing expertise and 
one position is for a member who is an active producer of sheep or goats. Board members manage 
and oversee the Center's activities. Nominations may only be submitted by National organizations 
that consist primarily of active sheep or goat producers in the United States and who have as 
their primary interest the production of sheep or goats in the United States. Nominating 
organizations should submit:
    (1) Substantiation that the nominating organization is national in scope,
    (2) The number and percent of members that are active sheep or goat producers,
    (3) Substantiation of the primary interests of the organization,and 
    (4) An Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form(Form AD-755)for each nominee.
    This action is taken in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 2008j(f), which establishes the powers and 
composition of the Board of Directors for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.

DATES: Completed nominations must be received no later than December 29, 2003. Nominations 
received after that date will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Submit nominations and statements of qualifications to Jay B. Wilson, Executive 
Director/CEO, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, USDA, PO Box 23483, Washington, 
DC 20026-3483, if using the U.S. Postal Service; or Room 2117, STOP 3250, South Agriculture 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250, if using other carriers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO,National Sheep 
Industry Improvement Center, USDA, PO Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483, if using the 
U.S. Postal Service; or Room 2117, Stop 3250, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20250, if using other carriers. Telephone (202)690-0632, (This is not a toll 
free number), FAX 202-720-1053. Forms and other information can be found at http://www.nsiic.org.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NSIIC, or Sheep Center (Center), is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 
2008j. The Center shall: (1) Promote strategic development activities and collaborative 
efforts by private and State entities to maximize the impact of Federal assistance to strengthen 
and enhance production and marketing of sheep or goat products in the United States; (2) optimize 
the use of available human capital and resources within the sheep or goat industries; (3) provide 
assistance to meet the needs of the sheep or goat industry for infrastructure development, 
business development, production, resource development, and market and environmental research; 
4) advance activities that empower and build the capacity of the United States sheep or goat 
industry to design unique responses to special needs of the sheep or goat industries on both a 
regional and national basis; and (5) adopt flexible and innovative approaches to solving the 
long-term needs of the United States sheep or goat industry.
    The management of NSIIC is vested in a Board of Directors that is appointed by, and reports 
to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors is composed of seven voting members of 
whom four are active producers of sheep or goats in the United States, two have expertise in 
finance and management, and one has expertise in lamb, wool, goat or goat product marketing. 
Of the two open positions, one position is for a member with expertise in lamb, wool, goat, 
or goat product marketing and one position is for a member who is an active producer of sheep 
or goats. The Board also includes two non-voting members, the Under Secretary of Agriculture 
for Rural Development and the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and 
Economics. The Executive Director serves as the CEO.
    The Secretary of Agriculture shall appoint the voting members from the submitted nominations. 
Member's term of office shall be three years. Voting members are limited to two terms. Each of 
the two positions for which nominees are being sought is currently held by members who are 
eligible to be re-nominated.
    The Board shall meet not less than once each fiscal year, but is likely to meet at least 
quarterly. Board members will not receive compensation for serving on the Board of Directors, 
but shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses.
    The statement of qualifications of the individual nominees is obtained by using Form AD-755,
 ``Advisory Committee Membership Background Information,'' which can be accessed at 
http://www.nsiic.org. The requirements of this form are incorporated under OMB number 0505-0001.

    Dated: November 4, 2003.
Jay B. Wilson,
Executive Director/CEO, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.

Download nomination form at:  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/fsisforms/ad-755.pdf  (PDF, 58kb) print, fill out and send in
 or   http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/committees/rac/ad-755.doc  (MS Word format, 62kb) Download, fill out with Word and send in.

Nomination Form:

[Federal Register: August 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 159)]
[Notices]              
[Page 49425-49429]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18au03-48]                        

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center; Inviting Grant
Proposals for the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative

AGENCY: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) announces the availability of
approximately $300,000 in competitive grants for product or business development, producer information
or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention or animal
health. Funds have been made available by the Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry
Improvement Center (NSIIC) to be awarded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 with projects completed by the end
of FY 2005. The intent is to fund a variety of proposals that will benefit the U.S. sheep and goat industries.

DATES: Completed proposals must be received no later than November 17, 2003. Proposals received
after that date will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Completed proposals and other required materials should be submitted to
Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO,
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 23483
 Washington, DC 20026-3483
 if using the U.S. Postal Service; or
Room 2117, South Agriculture Building
1400 Independence Avenue SW.
Washington, DC 20250
if using other carriers
 Telephone (202) 690-0632 or (207) 236-6567.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO,
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 23483
 Washington, DC 20026-3483
 if using the U.S. Postal Service; or

Room 2117, South Agriculture Building
1400 Independence Avenue SW.
Washington, DC 20250
if using other carriers

 Telephone (202) 690-0632 or (207) 236-6567.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

General Information

    The Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) makes this grant initiative of up to $300,000 available. The NSIIC is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2008j to make these grants. A fund is established in the Treasury of the United States, without fiscal year limitations, to provide funds for the enhancement and marketing of sheep or goat products in the United States. Grants are authorized by section 375(e)(3)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and RuralDevelopment Act.
    Projects that are submitted in the proposals should be completed in a timely fashion as provided in the proposal, but under no circumstances later than September 30, 2005. The primary objective of the Sheep and Goat Industry
Grant Initiative (SGIGI) is to fund a number of diverse projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat industries through product or business development, producer information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep
or goats ortheir products, genetic retention or animal health at the regional, national or international level. The program is administered through USDA, NSIIC.

Eligible Applicants

    An eligible entity is an organization that promotes the betterment of the United States sheep or goat industries that is: (a) A public, private, or cooperative organization; (b) an association, including a corporation not operated for profit; (c) a federally recognized Indian Tribe; or (d) a public or quasi-public agency. Individuals are ineligible.Eligible entities must have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence. Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.501 (c)(4)) which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible to apply.

Use of Funds

    Use of funds should directly impact the U.S. sheep or goat industries through product or business development,producer information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention, or animal health programs. Funds may not be used to: (a) Pay costs of preparing the application package; (b) pay costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant; (c) conduct duplicative research; or (d) fund political activities. Preference may be given to proposals that have over 50 percent of the project costs in matching funds, including in kind contributions; Overhead costs cannot exceed 25 percent.

Available Funds and Award Limitations

    The total amount of funds available for grants in FY 2004 is approximately $300,000. It is anticipated that all funds will be awarded in FY 2004 for projects that will be completed by September 30, 2005. It is expected that there will be proposals submitted that address a variety of needs related to the U.S. sheep and goat industries. Awards will be segregated so that a variety of needs will be addressed by the funded proposals. The actual number of grants funded will depend on the quality of proposals received and the amount of funding
requested. A proposal may be partially funded or funded in its entirety. The maximum amount of Federal funds through this grant initiative awarded for any one proposal will be $50,000.

Selection Criteria

    The proposal will initially be reviewed to determine whether the entity submitting the proposal meets the eligibility requirements and whether the proposal application contains the information required. After this initial
evaluation, the following criteria will be used to rate and rank proposals received in response to this notice of  funding availability. Failure to address any one of the criteria will disqualify the proposal. Equal weight shall
be given to each of the criterion listed below and points will be awarded to each criterion on a scale of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. A score of 5 indicates that the proposal was judged to be highly relevant to the criterion and a score
of 1 indicates that the proposal was judged not to sufficiently address the criterion.
    Each proposal will be evaluated and judged using the following criteria:
    1. Potential Industry Impact--Describe the proposed project and demonstrate how it will stimulate the U.S. sheep or goat industries. Provide a detailed analysis of the sheep or goat industry issue that is being addressed
 by the proposal by including the:
    (a) Product or group that will be impacted by the proposal;
    (b) Geographic area affected;
    (c) Target audience or end user; and
    (d) Expected results. The NSIIC will evaluate whether the industry issue and need are well-defined and the proposed project provides an effective and efficient approach to resolving the identified need.
    2. Industry Commitment--Describe the commitment of the producers, processor, end-users or other  involved parties in participating in the proposed project. This may include, but is not limited to, individual
producers, producer groups, processors, seminar participants, local organizations, local or state governments or trade associations. The NSIIC will evaluate whether there is a commitment from all who are expected to participate and benefit from the proposed project.
    3. Business Soundness--Provide a timetable and objectives along with a quantifiable benchmark and expected results. The NSIIC will evaluate whether the proposal includes (a) a clear objective; (b) well-defined tasks that will accomplish the objectives; (c) realistic benchmarks; and (d) a realistic timetable for the completion of the proposed tasks and whether a business strategy had been adequately developed?
    4. Financial Feasibility--Provide a well-defined budget for the proposal. The NSIIC will evaluate whether the funding requirements and budget for the project are well defined and financially feasible and the matching funds or other resources that will be used to leverage the requested funds in the proposal are
identified.
    5. Management Ability--Identify the management team needed to complete the proposal objectives and describe their qualifications. The NSIIC will evaluate whether the management team is identified and capable of implementing the proposal.

Selection Process

    The Board of Directors of the NSIIC will evaluate proposal applications. Applications will be evaluated competitively and points awarded as specified in the Selection Criteria section of this notice. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible entities. A proposal may be partially funded. After assigning points based upon the selection criteria, applications will be funded in rank order until all available funds have been expended. The Board of Directors reserves the right to award up to five additional points in order to provide a diversity of projects targeting various (1) situations, (2) geographic areas, or subjects, or for proposals with over 50 percent in matching funds. Projects that are approved for further processing will be subject to the grant terms that are negotiated between the applicant and the Board of Directors
including, but not limited to, the amount to be funded, project goals, timetables, completion date or other terms as deemed necessary.

Proposal Submission

    All proposals, except for forms, are to be submitted on standard 8.5'' x 11'' paper with typing on one side of the page only. In addition, margins must be at least 1'', type must be 12 characters per inch (12 pitch or 10 point) or larger, no more than 6 lines per inch, and there should be no page reductions.

Content of a Proposal

    A proposal should contain the following:
    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 forms. The Table of Contents should include page numbers for each component of the proposal. Page numbering should begin immediately following the Table of
Contents.
    5. Project Summary: The proposal must contain a project summary of 1 page or less on a separate page. This page must include the title of the project and the names of the primary project contacts and the applicant organization, followed by the summary. The summary should be self-contained and should
describe the overall goals and relevance of the project. The summary should also contain a listing of all organizations involved in the project. The Project Summary should immediately follow the Table of Contents.
    6. Project Narrative: The narrative portion of the Project Proposal is limited to 10 pages of text and should contain the following:
    a. Introduction. A clear statement of the goals and objectives of the project. The problem should be set in context of the present-day situation. Summarize the body of knowledge which substantiates the need for the proposed project.
    b. Rationale and Significance. Substantiate the need for the proposed project. Describe the impact of the project on the U.S. sheep or goat industry. Describe the project's specific relationship to the segment of sheep or goat industry issue, product or market being addressed.
    c. Objectives and Approach. Discuss the specific objectives to be accomplished under the project. A detailed description of the approach must include:
    (i) Techniques or procedures used to carry out the proposed activities and for accomplishing the objectives; and
    (ii) The results expected.
    d. Timetable. Tentative schedule for conducting the major steps of the project.
    e. Evaluation. Provide a plan for assessing and evaluating the accomplishments of the stated objectives during the project and describe ways to determine the effectiveness (impact) of the end results upon conclusion of the project. Awardees will be required to submit written project performance reports on a semi-annual basis.
    f. Coordination and Management Plan. Describe how the project will be coordinated among various participants and the nature of the collaborations. Describe plans for management of the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration.

What To Submit

    An original and 10 copies must be submitted. Each copy must be stapled in the upper left-hand corner (Do Not Bend). All copies of the proposal must be submitted in one package.

Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals  considered for review and to grants awarded by USDA. These include, but  are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1.1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
    7 CFR part 15a--USDA implementation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
    7 CFR part 3016--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    7 CFR part 3017--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for drug-free workplace (grants).
    7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3052--Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.

    The terms of the above parts will be incorporated in a grant made by the NSIIC.

Awardee Requirements, Payments, and Service

    These grants will be awarded, disbursed, and serviced in accordance with 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019. Awardees will furnish the NSIIC with reports in accordance with this notice and 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The reporting requirements contained in this notice have received temporary emergency clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Control Number 0570-0048. However, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, RBS will seek standard OMB approval of
the reporting requirements contained in this Notice and hereby opens a 60-day public comment period.

Public Burden in This Notice

    Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This form is used by applicants as a required face sheet for applications for Federal assistance.
    Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information-Non Construction Programs.'' This form must be completed by applicants to show the project's budget breakdown, both as to expense categories and the division between Federal and non-Federal sources.
    Form SF-424B, ``Assurances-Non Construction Programs.'' The applicant must complete this form to give the Federal government certain assurances that the applicant has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance and the financial capability to pay the non-Federal share of project costs. The applicant also gives assurance it will comply with various legal and regulatory requirements as described in the form.
    Grantees will be required to sign a grant agreement acceptable to the NSIIC.

Reporting Requirements

    In addition to any other required reports, awardees will be required to submit written project performance reports on a semi-annual basis and a final report at the completion of the project. The project performance report and final report shall include, but need not be limited to:
(a) A comparison of timeline, tasks and objectives outlined in the proposal as compared to the actual accomplishments;
(b) If report varies from the stated objectives or they were not met, the reasons why established objectives were not met;
(c) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially affect attainment of planned project objectives;
(d) Objectives established for the next reporting period; and (e) Status of compliance with any special conditions on the use of awarded funds.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to range from 10 minutes for some forms to 8 hours for the proposal per response.
    Respondents: Any eligible entity as described in the ``Eligible Applicants'' section of this notice.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 45.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 105.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden of Respondents: 383 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch (202) 692-0043.

Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of NSIIC's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology
and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information.
    Comments may be sent to Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, Support Services Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0742. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a
matter of public record.

    Dated: August 12, 2003.
Jay B. Wilson,
Executive Director/CEO, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.

Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative Grant Agreement

    1. Authorization. The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) is authorized to use grants under 7 U.S.C. 2008j.
    2. Parties. This Grant Agreement (Agreement) between the [Grantee's name] (Grantee), and the United States of America, acting through the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) of the Department of Agriculture (Grantor).
    3. Award Amount. Grantor agrees to make available to the Grantee for the purposes of this Agreement Grant Funds of up to [$ xx,xxx.xx, amount funded] (Grant Funds) for the proposal submitted by the grantee for [name of project] under the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative (SGIGI) and the Grantee agrees not to exceed the amount approved. The funds will be advanced
or reimbursed as provided for in this Agreement.
    4. Citizenship. The Grantee hereby certifies that the outstanding interest in the project has membership or is owned by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence.
    5. Purpose. Grant Funds will only be used for the purposes and activities specified in the Proposal submitted under the SGIGI, including any attachments, amendments or conditions approved by the Grantor. Any uses not provided for in the approved Proposal must be approved in writing by
the Grantor in advance.
    6. Project Period.
    (a) Effective Date: The grant will be considered approved on the date that Grantor signs the Agreement.
    (b) Date of Completion: Grantee shall strive to use the proceeds of this Grant promptly in accordance with this Agreement, unless otherwise provided by law. If any part of the Grant Funds have not been used by September 30, 2005, Grantor will cancel the obligation of any funds not yet delivered and demand the
return of any delivered funds that have not been used in accordance with this Agreement.
    7. Further Provisions. This section establishes further provisions that must be understood and agreed to by the Grantee.
    (a) All of the terms and provisions of the application submitted by the Grantee for this SGIGI, including any attachments, amendments or conditions that are otherwise not in conflict with this Agreement are attached to and incorporated into this agreement. Any changes to these documents or this Agreement must be approved in writing by the Grantor,
    (b) Grantee certifies that it is in compliance with, and will comply in the course of the Agreement with grant conditions and all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, or other applicable requirements,
    (c) The provisions of the following are incorporated into this Agreement by reference:
7 CFR part 3015 --``USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations'';
7 CFR part 3016--``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments'';
7 CFR part 3017--``Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'';
7 CFR part 3018--``New Restrictions on Lobbying'';
7 CFR part 3019--``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions  of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations''; and  7 CFR part 3052--``Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations,''
    (d) The Grantee shall not encumber, transfer or dispose of any property, equipment or other asset, or any part thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Grantor funds without the written consent of the Grantor,
    (e) Grantees shall adequately control and safeguard all assets associated with the grant to ensure that they are used solely for authorized purposes,
    (f) Grantor shall monitor performance in accordance with the applicable terms of the Agreement. Grantor reserves the right to monitor meetings and request documents applicable to the terms of the Agreement.
    8. Assurances. Grantee has executed.
    (a) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters --Primary Covered Transactions,'' to certify that your organization is not debarred or suspended from Government assistance,
    (b) AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion --Lower Tier Covered Transactions,'' from anyone you do business with as a result of this Government assistance,
    (c) AD-1950, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants)'' to certify you will provide a drug-free awareness program for employees,
    (d) RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement,''
    (e) ``Certification Regarding Lobbying--Contracts, Grants, Loans and Cooperative Agreement.''
    9. Accounting, Audits and Reporting Requirements.
    (a) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: The Grantee agrees to account for all amounts associated  with this grant using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Records must at least include:
    (i) financial records that identify the source of all funds used for grant-supported activities, including Grant Funds, any matching funds, other funds, and;
    (ii) source documentation to support activities.
    (b) Audit: The project will be audited by a Certified Public Accountant annually or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Grantor. All audits will be in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The audit for the years the Grantee receives this financial assistance will be conducted in
accordance with 7 CFR part 3052. Audits are due within 90 days after September 30 of the respective year  and the Grantor is to receive a copy of this audit,
    (c) Reports: The grantee will provide periodic reports as required by the Grantor. A financial status report and a project performance report will be submitted by the Grantee on a semi-annual basis (due each
March 31 and September 30). The financial status report must show how Grant Funds and any matching funds have been used to date and project the funds needed and their purposes for the next six-month period. A final report may serve as the last semi-annual report. Grantees shall constantly monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and projected goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project performance report and final report shall include at least:
    (i) A comparison of timeline, tasks and objectives outlined in the proposal as compared to the actual
accomplishments,
    (ii) If report varies from the stated objectives or they were not met, the reasons why established
objectives were not met,
    (iii) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially affect attainment of planned project objectives,
    (iv) Objectives established for the next reporting period, and
    (v) Status of compliance with any special conditions on the use of awarded funds.
    (d) Proposal Results: Grantee shall deliver the results of any study or activity to the Grantor upon completion of each task outlined in the proposal. These include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business operations plans, articles of incorporation and bylaws. All items delivered to the Grantor will be held as proprietary information to the extent provided by law.
    (e) Record Retention: Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records  pertinent to the grant must be kept for a period of at least 3 years after grant closing, except that the records shall 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 Grantor and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents,
papers, and records of the Grantee's which are pertinent to the specific grant program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, and transcripts.
    10. Funding.
    (a) Payment: Requests for cash advances should be for the minimum amount needed and timed to the actual, immediate cash requirements for carrying out the grant purpose. The funds will be reimbursed or advanced based on submission of Standard Form 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
    (b) Distribution of Funds: Once the Agreement is entered into, grant funds will be transferred electronically to an account specified by the Grantee.
    (c) Pre-award costs: The grantee may incur or claim no cost prior to the Effective Date as provided for in this Agreement.
    11. Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest. Conflict of interest for the purpose of this Agreement is defined  in 7 U.S.C. 2008j and Grantee agrees to disclose any conflict of interest to Grantor.
    12. Other Parties. This Agreement is not for the benefit of third parties. Grantor shall not be under any obligation to any such parties, whether directly or indirectly interested in this Agreement, to pay any charges or expenses incidental to compliance by Grantee with any of the duties or obligations imposed hereby.
    13. Event of Default and Remedies.
    (a) Events of Default of Grantee. By delineation and not limitation, any of the following occurrences shall be an ``event of default''. Written notice of default shall be provided within 90 days of such occurrence of an event of default:
    (i) Any representation or warranty made by the Grantee in connection with this Agreement shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect on or as of the date made or deemed made,
    (ii) Failure, inability or unwillingness of Grantee to carry out or comply with the terms or conditions of this Agreement, or any applicable laws,
    (iii) The Grantee becomes insolvent, or ceases being able, or admits in writing to its inability to pay its debts as they mature, suspends its business operations, become a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding or makes a
general assignment for the benefit of, or enters into any composition or arrangement with, creditors, proceeds with the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator, or like action and is not dismissed within 90 days.
    (iv) A judgement or other like order for payment is rendered against the Grantee or any material adverse change occurs in the Grantee's financial condition.
    (v) Submission or making of any report, statement, warranty, or representation by Grantee or agent on its behalf to Grantor in connection with the grant hereunder which is false, incomplete or incorrect in any material
respect.
    (b) Remedies:
    (i) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any event of default, Grantor shall have no obligation  to continue funding the Grantee as contemplated in this Agreement. Accordingly, Grantor shall suspend
operations contemplated by this Agreement until the declaration of default is cured and Grantor notifies in writing such acknowledgment of cure,
    (ii) The Grantee shall have 60 days from the notice of default to propose remedies and cures to Grantor to remove the event of default,
    (iii) Grantor reserves the right to waive any and all events of default. Exercise of this waiver shall not preclude Grantor from declaring a similar future event as an event of default.
    14. Notice. All notices hereunder and for whatever purpose, including declaration of default, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given upon delivery if personally delivered or sent by telecommunication (facsimile or e-mail) or 3 days after mailing if sent by express, certified or registered
United States Postal Service mail, to the parties. The grantees address and contact person shall be the one provided on SF 424 and the Grantor shall be the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, USDA, PO Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483, if using the U.S. Postal Service or Room 2117, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250 if using other carriers.
    15. Amendments, Termination and Changes. The Agreement may be amended, changed or terminated by mutual consent of the parties in writing.
    (a) Amendment: This Agreement may be amended with the mutual written consent of the Parties.
    (b) Scope of Work: Any changes in project costs, source of funds, scope of services, or any other changes in the project or applicant must be reported to and approved by the Grantor by written amendment of this Agreement. Any changes not approved by the Grantor shall be cause for deobligating grant funding.
    (c) Termination: The Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 30 days' notice in writing to the other party.
    16. Conflict. Nothing herein is intended to conflict with current USDA directives. If the terms of this agreement are inconsistent with existing law or agency directives, then those portions of this agreement which are determined to be inconsistent shall be invalid, but the remaining terms and the agreement will remain in effect. All necessary changes will be accomplished either by an amendment to this agreement or by entering into a new agreement, whichever is deemed expedient to the interest of both parties.
    17. In witness whereof, Grantee has this day authorized and caused
this Agreement to be executed by:

Attest

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantee)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Authorized Grantee Signature)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Date)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)

United States of America
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantor)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name) (Title)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Date)

The site for downloading the Federal Register is:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html
Step 1. Select Notices
Step 2. Issue date is: 08/13/2002    (in that format)
Step 3. Search Terms: sheep

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center; Inviting Grant 
Proposals for the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative

AGENCY: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) 
announces the availability of approximately $200,000 in competitive 
grants for product or business development, producer information or 
education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their 
products, genetic retention or animal health. Funds have been made 
available by the Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry 
Improvement Center (NSIIC) to be awarded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 with 
projects completed by the end of FY 2004. The intent is to fund a 
variety of proposals that will benefit the U.S. sheep and goat 
industries.

DATES: Completed proposals must be received no later than October 15, 
2002. Proposals received after that date will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Completed proposals and other required materials should be 
submitted to Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director, National Sheep Industry 
Improvement Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, PO Box 23483, 
Washington, DC 20026-3483 if using the US Postal Service or Room 2117, 
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20250 if using other carriers. Telephone (202) 690-0632 or (207) 
236-6567.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director, 
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, PO Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483 if using the US 
Postal Service or Room 2117, South Agriculture Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250 if using other carriers. 
Telephone (202) 690-0632 or (207) 236-6567.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

General Information

    The Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement 
Center (NSIIC) makes this grant initiative of up to $200,000 available. 
The NSIIC is authorized under section 375 of the Federal Agriculture 
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 2008j). A fund is 
established in the Treasury of the United States, without fiscal year 
limitations, to provide funds for the enhancement and marketing of 
sheep or goat products in the United States. Grants are authorized by 
section 375(e)(3)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act.
    Projects that are submitted in the proposals should be completed in 
a timely fashion as provided in the proposal, but under no 
circumstances later than September 30, 2004. The primary objective of 
the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative (SGIGI) is to fund a 
number of diverse projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat 
industries through product or business development, producer 
information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or 
their products, genetic retention or animal health at the

[[Page 52704]]

regional, national or international level. The program is administered 
through USDA, NSIIC.

Eligible Applicants

    An Eligible entity is an organization that promotes the betterment 
of the United States sheep or goat industries that is: (A) A public, 
private, or cooperative organization; (B) an association, including a 
corporation not operated for profit; (C) a federally recognized Indian 
Tribe; or (D) a public or quasi-public agency. Individuals are 
ineligible. Eligible entities must have at least 51 percent ownership 
by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the 
United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence. 
Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501 
(c)(4)) which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible to apply.

Use of Funds

    Use of funds should directly impact the U.S. sheep or goat 
industries through product or business development, producer 
information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or 
their products, genetic retention, or animal health programs. Funds may 
not be used to: (a) Pay costs of preparing the application package; (b) 
pay costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant; (c) 
conduct duplicative research; or (d) fund political activities. 
Preference may be given to proposals that have over 50 percent of the 
project costs in matching funds, including in kind contributions, 
Overhead costs cannot exceed 25 percent.

Available Funds and Award Limitations

    The total amount of funds available for grants in FY 2003 is 
approximately $200,000. It is anticipated that all funds will be 
awarded in FY 2003 for projects that will be completed by September 30, 
2004. It is expected that there will be proposals submitted that 
address a variety of needs related to the U.S. sheep and goat 
industries. Awards will be segregated so that a variety of needs will 
be addressed by the funded proposals. The actual number of grants 
funded will depend on the quality of proposals received and the amount 
of funding requested. A proposal may be partially funded or funded in 
its entirety. The maximum amount of Federal funds through this grant 
initiative awarded for any one proposal will be $50,000.

Selection Criteria

    The proposal will initially be reviewed to determine whether the 
entity submitting the proposal meets the eligibility requirements and 
whether the proposal application contains the information required. 
After this initial evaluation, the following criteria will be used to 
rate and rank proposals received in response to this notice of funding 
availability. Failure to address any one of the criteria will 
disqualify the proposal. Equal weight shall be given to each of the 
criterion listed below and points will be awarded to each criterion on 
a scale of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. A score of 5 indicates that the proposal was 
judged to be highly relevant to the criteria and a score of 1 indicates 
that the proposal was judged not to sufficiently address the criteria. 
Each proposal criteria area will be evaluated and judged on its own 
merits using the following criteria:
    1. Potential Industry Impact--Describe the proposed project and 
demonstrate how it will stimulate the U.S. sheep or goat industries. 
Provide a detailed analysis of the sheep or goat industry issue that is 
being addressed by the proposal by including the: (A) Product or group 
that will be impacted by the proposal (B) geographic area affected (C) 
target audience or end user; (D) and expected results. Is the industry 
issue and need well-defined? Does the proposed project provide an 
effective and efficient approach to resolving the identified need?
    2. Industry Commitment--Describe the commitment of the producers, 
processor, end-users or other involved parties in participating in the 
proposed project. This may include, but is not limited to, individual 
producers, producer groups, processors, seminar participants, local 
organizations, local or state governments or trade associations. Is 
there a commitment from all who are expected to participate and benefit 
from the proposed project?
    3. Business Soundness--Provide a timetable and objectives along 
with a quantifiable benchmark and expected results. Does the proposal 
include: (A) A clear objective; (B) well-defined tasks that will 
accomplish the objectives; (C) realistic benchmarks; (D) a realistic 
timetable for the completion of the proposed tasks? Has the business 
strategy been adequately developed?
    4. Financial Feasibility--Provide a well-defined budget for the 
proposal. Are the funding requirements and budget for the project well 
defined and financially feasible? Are matching funds or other resources 
that will be used to leverage the requested funds in the proposal 
identified?
    5. Management Ability--Identify the management team needed to 
complete the proposal objectives and describe their qualifications. Is 
the management team identified, and are they capable of implementing 
the proposal?

Selection Process

    The Board of Directors of the NSIIC will evaluate proposal 
applications. Applications will be evaluated competitively and points 
awarded as specified in the Selection Criteria section of this notice. 
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible entities. A 
proposal may be partially funded. After assigning points based upon 
those criteria, applications will be funded in rank order until all 
available funds have been expended. The Board of Directors reserves the 
right to award up to five additional points in order to provide a 
diversity of projects targeting various situations, geographic areas, 
subject matter distribution of funded projects, or for proposals with 
over 50 percent in matching funds. Projects that are approved for 
further processing will be subject to the grant terms that are 
negotiated between the applicant and the Board of Directors including, 
but not limited to, the amount to be funded, project goals, timetables, 
completion date or other terms as deemed necessary.

Proposal Submission

    All proposals, except for forms, are to be submitted on standard 
8.5'  x  11' paper with typing on one side of the page only. In 
addition, margins must be at least 1'', type must be 12 characters per 
inch (12 pitch or 10 point) or larger, no more than 6 lines per inch, 
and there should be no page reductions.

Content of a Proposal

    A proposal should contain the following:
    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 forms. The Table of Contents should include page 
numbers for each component of the proposal. Page numbering should begin 
immediately following the Table of Contents.
    5. Project Summary--The proposal must contain a project summary of 
1 page or less on a separate page. This page must include the title of 
the project

[[Page 52705]]

and the names of the primary project contacts and the applicant 
organization, followed by the summary. The summary should be self-
contained and should describe the overall goals and relevance of the 
project. The summary should also contain a listing of all organizations 
involved in the project. The Project Summary should immediately follow 
the Table of Contents.
    6. Project Narrative--The narrative portion of the Project Proposal 
is limited to 10 pages of text and should contain the following:
    a. Introduction. A clear statement of the goals and objectives of 
the project. The problem should be set in context of the present-day 
situation. Summarize the body of knowledge which substantiates the need 
for the proposed project.
    b. Rationale and Significance. Substantiate the need for the 
proposed project. Describe the impact of the project on the U.S. sheep 
or goat industry. Describe the project's specific relationship to the 
segment of sheep or goat industry issue, product or market being 
addressed.
    c. Objectives and Approach. Discuss the specific objectives to be 
accomplished under the project. A detailed description of the approach 
must include: (1) Techniques or procedures used to carry out the 
proposed activities and for accomplishing the objectives; (2) The 
results expected.
    d. Time Table. Tentative schedule for conducting the major steps of 
the project.
    e. Evaluation. Provide a plan for assessing and evaluating the 
accomplishments of the stated objectives during the project and 
describe ways to determine the effectiveness (impact) of the end 
results upon conclusion of the project. Awardees will be required to 
submit written project performance reports on a semi-annual basis.
    f. Coordination and Management Plan. Describe how the project will 
be coordinated among various participants and the nature of the 
collaborations. Describe plans for management of the project to ensure 
its proper and efficient administration.

What To Submit

    An original and 10 copies must be submitted. Each copy must be 
stapled in the upper left-hand corner. (DO NOT BIND). All copies of the 
proposal must be submitted in one package.

Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals 
considered for review and to grants awarded by USDA. These include, but 
are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1.1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information 
Act.
    7 CFR part 15a--USDA implementation of title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964.
    7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
    7 CFR part 3016--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    7 CFR part 3017--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for drug-free 
workplace (grants).
    7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Nonprofit Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3052--Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 
Organizations.
    The terms of the above parts will be incorporated in a grant made 
by the NSIIC.

Public Burden in This Notice

    Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This form is 
used by applicants as a required face sheet for applications for 
Federal assistance.
    Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information-Non Construction Programs.'' 
This form must be completed by applicants to show the project's budget 
breakdown, both as to expense categories and the division between 
Federal and non-Federal sources.
    Form SF-424B, ``Assurances-Non Construction Programs.'' The 
applicant must complete this form to give the Federal government 
certain assurances that the applicant has the legal authority to apply 
for Federal assistance and the financial capability to pay the non-
Federal share of project costs. The applicant also gives assurance it 
will comply with various legal and regulatory requirements as described 
in the form.
    Grantees will be required to sign a grant agreement acceptable to 
the NSIIC.

Reporting Requirements

    In addition to any other required reports, awardees will be 
required to submit written project performance reports on a semi-annual 
basis and a final report at the completion of the project. The project 
performance report and final report shall include, but need not be 
limited to: (1) A comparison of timeline, tasks and objectives outlined 
in the proposal as compared to the actual accomplishments; (2) If 
report varies from the stated objectives or they were not met, the 
reasons why established objectives were not met; (3) Problems, delays, 
or adverse conditions which will materially affect attainment of 
planned project objectives; (4) Objectives established for the next 
reporting period; and (5) Status of compliance with any special 
conditions on the use of awarded funds.

    Dated: July 31, 2002.
Jay B. Wilson,
Executive Director, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
[FR Doc. 02-20402 Filed 8-12-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1351-01-P