I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority:

The EMP is authorized by section 1542(d)(1)(D) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990, as amended.

Purpose: The EMP provides funding for technical assistance to assist U.S. organizations, public and private, to improve market access through genetic, rather than branded, activities that can develop and promote U.S. agricultural products and/or processes in low- to middle-income countries that offer promise of emerging market opportunities. Activities funded are those that primarily benefit U.S. industry as a whole.

All agricultural products, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. Proposals which include multiple commodities are also eligible.

Only technical assistance activities are eligible for reimbursement. Following are examples of the types of activities that may be funded:

The program funds technical assistance activities on a project-by-project basis. EMP funds may not be used to support normal operating costs of individual organizations, nor as a source by which to recover pre-award costs or prior expenses from previous or ongoing projects. Ineligible activities include restaurant promotions; branded product promotions (including labeling and supplementing normal company sales activities intended to increase awareness and stimulate sales of branded products); advertising; administrative and operational expenses for trade shows; and the preparation and printing of brochures, flyers, posters, etc., except in connection with specific technical assistance activities such as training seminars. Other items excluded from funding are contained in the 2004 Program Guidelines.

The Act defines an emerging market as any country that the Secretary of Agriculture determines:

(1) Is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy of the country; and

(2) Has the potential to provide a viable and significant market for United States agricultural commodities or products of United States agricultural commodities.

Because funds are limited and the range of potential emerging market countries is worldwide, proposals for technical assistance activities will be considered which target those countries with: (1) Per capita income less than $9,206 (the current ceiling on upper middle income economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development Indicators]); and (2) population greater than 1 million. Proposals may address suitable regional groupings, e.g., the islands of the Caribbean Basin.

In general, all qualified proposals received before the application deadline will compete for EMP funding. Priority consideration will be given to proposals that identify and seek to address specific problems or constraints to agricultural exports in emerging markets through technical assistance activities that are intended to expand or maintain U.S. agricultural exports. Priority will also be given to those proposals that include the willingness of the applicant to commit its own funds, or those of the U.S. industry, to seek export opportunities in an emerging market. The percentage of private funding proposed for a project will, therefore,be a critical factor in determining which proposals are funded under the EMP. Proposals will also be judged on their ability to provide benefits to the organization receiving EMP funds and to the broader industry which that organization represents.

The limited funds and the range of emerging markets worldwide in which the funds may be used preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual projects. While there is no minimum or maximum amount set for EMP-funded projects, most are funded at a level of less than $500,000 and for a duration of one year or less. Multi-year proposals may be considered in the context of a strategic detailed plan of implementation. Funding in such cases is normally provided one year at a time, with commitments beyond the first year subject to interim evaluations.

Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will be kept informed of the implementation of approved projects through the requirement to provide quarterly progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in the original project time lines and adjustments within project budgets beyond a certain amount must be approved by FAS. Details are available in the 2004 Program Guidelines.

1. Eligible Applicants. Any United States private or Government entity with a demonstrated role or interest in exports of U.S. agricultural commodities or products may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and profit-making entities and consulting businesses.

Proposals from research and consulting organizations will be considered if they provide evidence of substantial participation by the U.S. industry. Individuals/consultants may not use program funds to conduct private business or to promote private self-interests.

U.S. market development cooperators and state regional trade groups (SRTGs) may seek funding to address priority, market specific issues and to undertake activities not suitable for funding under other marketing programs, e.g., the Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) Program and the Market Access Program (MAP). Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from the program.

2. Cost Sharing. No private sector proposal will be considered without the element of cost-share from the participant and/or U.S. partners. The EMP is intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. There is no minimum or maximum amount of cost share, though the range in recent successful proposals has been between 35 and 75 percent. The degree of commitment to a proposed project represented by the amount and type of private funding are both used in determining which proposals will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or professional time of staff assigned to the project. Proposals in which private industry is willing to commit cash, rather than in-kind contributions such as staff resources, will be given priority consideration.

Cost-sharing is not required for proposals from U.S. Government agencies, but is mandatory for all other eligible entities, even when they may be party to a joint proposal with a U.S. Government agency.

Contributions from USDA or other U.S. Government agencies or programs may not be counted toward the stated cost share requirement. Similarly, contributions from foreign (non-U.S.) organizations may not be counted toward the cost share requirement, but may be counted in the total cost of the project.

3. Other. Proposals should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance.

Applicants may submit more than one proposal.

1. Address to Request Application Package. For 2004, EMP applicants have the opportunity to utilize the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application process, an online system which provides a means for interested applicants to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated single proposal that incorporates funding requests for any or all of the market development programs administered by FAS. Applicants are not required to use the UES, but are strongly encouraged to do so because it reduces paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle.

Applicants planning to use the on-line system must contact the Marketing Operations Staff at (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information including a user of id and password. The Internet-based application, including step-by-step instructions for its use, is located at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html. A Help file is available to assist applicants with the process. Applicants using the online system must also provide, promptly after the deadline for submitting the on-line application, a printed or e-mailed version of each proposal (using Word or compatible format) to one of the following addresses:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc. ): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

E-mail address: emo@fas.usda.gov.

Applicants electing not to use the online system must submit a printed copy of their application to one of the above addresses.

Applicants must obtain a Dun & Bradstreet (D-U-N-S) number for Federal contracting purposes prior to submitting applications. Information and numbers may be obtained by calling the toll number 1-866-705-5711.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. It is highly recommended that any organization considering applying to the program first obtain a copy of the 2004 Program Guidelines. These guidelines contain information on requirements that a proposal must include in order to be considered for funding under the program, along with other important information. Requests for the 2004 Program Guidelines and additional information may be obtained from the Marketing Operations Staff at the address above. The guidelines are also available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.httml.

In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's policy directive regarding the use of a universal identifier for all Federal grants or cooperative agreements, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711.

Applications should be no longer than ten (10) pages and include the following information:

(a) Date of proposal;

(b) Name of organization submitting proposal;

(c) Organization address, telephone and fax numbers,

(d) Tax ID number

(e) DUNS number;

(f) Primary contact person;

(g) Full title of proposal;

(h) Target market(s);

(i) Current conditions in the target market(s) affecting the intended commodity or product;

(j) Description of problem(s), i.e., constraint(s), to be addressed by the project, such as: Inadequate knowledge of the market, insufficient trade contacts, lack of awareness by foreign officials of U.S. products and business practices, impediments: Infrastructure, financing, regulatory or other non-tariff barriers, etc.;

(k) Project objectives;

(l) Performance measures: benchmarks for quantifying progress in meeting the objectives;

(m) Rationale: Explanation of the underlying reasons for the project proposal and its approach, the anticipated benefits, and any additional pertinent analysis;

(n) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will benefit a particular industry as a whole, not just the applicant(s);

(o) Explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance;

(p) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;

(q) Time line(s) for implementation of activity, including start and end dates (start date should be no earlier than 15 July 2004);

(r) Information on whether similar activities are or have previously been funded with USDA sources in target country/countries ( e.g. , under MAP and/or FMD programs);

(s) Detailed line item activity budget. Cost items should be allocated separately to each participating organization. Expense items constituting a proposed activity's overall budget ( e.g., salaries, travel expenses, consultant fees, administrative costs, etc.), with a line item cost for each, should be listed, clearly indicating:

(1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;

(2) Which by the participating U.S. organization(s); and

(3) Which by foreign third parties (if applicable).

Cost items for individual consultant fees should show calculation of daily rate and number of days. Cost items for travel expenses should show number of trips, destinations, cost, and objective for each trip.

Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an attachment.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time on March 15, 2004 in the MOS office, either electronically or by mail. Proposals received after this date and time will not be reviewed nor considered for program funding.

4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses such as indirect overhead charges, travel expenses and consulting fees. CCC will not reimburse expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures. Full details are available in the 2004 Program Guidelines.

1. Criteria. Key criteria used in judging proposals include:

2. Review and Selection Process. All applications undergo a multi-phase review within FAS, by appropriate FAS field offices, and by the private sector Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets to determine qualifications, quality and appropriateness of projects, and reasonableness of project budgets prior to making recommendations to the deciding official.

3. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding decisions for the EMP are anticipated on or about July 1, 2004.

1. Award Notices. FAS will notify all applicants in writing of the final disposition of its application. FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of EMP funding and cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested parties should review the 2004 Program Guidelines which are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting MOS at (202) 720-4327.

3. Reporting. Quarterly progress reports for all programs longer than six months in duration are required. Final performance reports are due 90 days after completion of each project. Content for both types of reports is contained in the 2004 Program Guidelines. Final financial reports are also due 90 days after completion of each project, as attachments to the final reports.

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: emo@fas.usda.gov.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Authority: The Cooperator Program is authorized by title VII of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended. Cooperator Program regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1484.

Purpose: The Cooperator Program is designed to create, expand, and maintain foreign market for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator Program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. All agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

The FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the strategic decision-making initiatives of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the USDA's Food and Agricultural Policy (FAP). In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign market, the FAS seeks to identify a clear, long-term agricultural trade strategy and a program effectiveness time line against which results can be measured at specific intervals using quantifiable product or country goals. The FAS also considers the extent to which a proposed project targets markets with the greatest growth potential. These factors are part of the FAS resource allocation strategy to fund applicants who can demonstrate performance and address the objectives of the GPRA and FAP.

Under the Cooperator Program, the FAS enters into agreements with nonprofit U.S. trade organizations which have the broadest possible producer representation of the commodity being promoted and gives priority to those organizations which are nationwide in membership and scope. Cooperators may receive assistance only for the promotion of generic activities that do not involve promotions targeted directly to consumers. The program generally operates on a reimbursement basis.

1. Eligible Applicants. To participate in the Cooperator Program an applicant must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization.

2. Cost Sharing. To participate in the Cooperator Program, an applicant must agree to contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The Cooperator Program is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. The contribution must be stated in dollars and be at least 50 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for activities conducted under the project agreement.

The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional strategies contained in its application, as represented by the agreed cost share contributions specified therein, is considered by the FAS when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or in-kind contributions, such as professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. The Cooperator Program regulations, in sections 1484.50 and 1484.41, provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible cost-share contributions.

3. Other. Applications should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance.

1. Address to Request Application Package. Organizations that are interested in applying for Cooperator Program funds are encouraged to submit their requests using the Unified Export Strategy (UES) format. The UES allows interested entities to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated single proposal that incorporates requests for funding and recommendations for virtually all the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade that they face, identify activities, which would help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish realistic export goals. Applicants are not required, however, to use the UES format. Organizations can submit applications in the UES format by two methods. The first allows an applicant to submit information directly to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. The FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet, as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions (along with tow paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette.

Applicants planning to use the Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information. The Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. To be considered for the Cooperator Program, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by the Cooperator Program regulations in section 1484.20. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the need to identify entities that are receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applications and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

The FAS administers various other agricultural export assistance programs, including the Market Access Program (MAP), Cochran Fellowships, the Emerging Markets Program, the Quality Samples Program, Section 108 Foreign Currency Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, and several Export Credit Guarantee programs. Any organization that is not interested in applying for the Cooperator Program but would like to request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned should contact the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 15, 2004. All Cooperator Program applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also must submit by the application deadline, via hand delivery or U.S. mail, an original signed certification statement as specified in 7 CFR 1484.20(a)(14). Applications or certifications received after this date will not be considered.

4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses. CCC will not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval. Full details are available in the Cooperator Program regulations in sections 1484.54 and 1484.55.

5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations. All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 15, 2004. Signed certification statements also must be received by that time at one of the addresses listed below.

All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies and a signed certification statement) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 15, 2004, at one of the following addresses:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria and Review Process. Following is a description of the FAS process for reviewing applications and the criteria for allocating available Cooperator Program funds.

Applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by the FAS to determine the eligibility of the applicants and the completeness of the applications. These requirements appear at sections 1484.14 and 1484.20 of the Cooperator Program regulations. Applications that meet the requirements then will be further evaluated by the proper FAS Commodity Division. The Divisions will review each application against the criteria listed in sections 1484.21 and 1484.22 of the Cooperator Program regulations. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals and to recommend an appropriate funding level for each application based upon these criteria.

Meritorious applications then will be passed on to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs, for the purpose of allocating available funds among the applicants. Applications will compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor):

• The applicant's 6-year average share (2000-2005) of all contributions (contributions may include cash and goods and services provided by U.S. entities in support of foreign market development activities) compared to:

• The applicant's 6-year average share (2000-2005) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures.

• The 6-year average share (1999-2004) of the value of exports promoted by the applicant compared to:

• The applicant's 6-year average share (1999-2004) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (1998-2003) of MAP expenditures and a 6-year average share (1998-2003) of foreign overhead provided for co-location within a U.S. agricultural trade office.

• The 6-year average share (1999-2004) of the total value of world trade of the commodities promoted by the applicant compared to:

• The applicant's 6-year average share (1999-2004) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (1998-2003) of MAP expenditures and a 6-year average share (1998-2003) of foreign overhead provided for co-location within a U.S. agricultural trade office.

• The projected total dollar value of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2010 compared to:

• The applicant's requested funding level.

• The actual dollar value share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2003 compared to:

• The applicant's past projected share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2003, as specified in the 2000 Cooperator Program application.

The Commodity Divisions' recommended funding levels for each applicant are converted to percentages of the total Cooperator Program funds available then multiplied by the total weight factor to determine the amount of funds allocated to each applicant.

2. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding decisions for the Cooperator Program are anticipated during June 2004.

1. Award Notices. The FAS will notify all applicants in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of Cooperator Program funding and cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested parties should review the Cooperator Program regulations which are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs.fmd.html. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting MOS at (202) 720-4327.

3. Reporting. The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from Cooperators. Reporting requirements are detailed in the Cooperator Program regulations in sections 1484.53, 1484.70, and 1484.72.

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

Purpose: The MAP is designed to create, expand and maintain foreign markets for United States' agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the MAP will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. All agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

The FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the strategic decision-making initiatives of the Government Performance and Result Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the USDA's Food and Agricultural Policy (FAP). In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign markets, the FAS seeks to identify a clear, long-term agricultural trade strategy and a program effectiveness time line against which results can be measured at specific intervals using quantifiable product or country goals. The FAS also considers the extent to which a proposed project targets markets with the greatest growth potential. These factors are part of the FAS resource allocation strategy to fund applicants who can demonstrate performance and address the objectives of the GPRA and FAP.

Under the MAP, the CCC enters into agreements with eligible participants to share the costs of certain overseas marketing and promotion activities. MAP participants may receive assistance for either generic or brand promotion activities. The program generally operates on a reimbursement basis.

1. Eligible Applicants. To participate in the MAP, an applicant must be: a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization, a nonprofit state regional trade group ( i.e., an association of State Departments of Agriculture), a U.S. agricultural cooperative, a State agency, or a small-sized U.S. commercial entity (other than a cooperative or producer association).

2. Cost Sharing. To participate in the MAP, an applicant must agree to contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The MAP is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. In the case of generic promotion, the contribution must be stated in dollars and be at least 10 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for such generic promotion. In the case of brand promotion, the contribution must be stated in dollars and be at least 50 percent of the total cost of such brand promotion.

The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional strategies contained in its application, as represented by the agreed cost share contributions specified therein, is considered by the FAS when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or in-kind contributions, such as professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. The MAP regulations, in section 1485.13(c), provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible cost-share contributions.

3. Other. Applications should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance.

1. Address to Request Application Package. Organizations that are interested in applying for MAP funds are encouraged to submit their requests using the UES format. The UES allows interested entities to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated single proposal that incorporates requests for funding and recommendations for virtually all the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade, which they face, identify activities, which would help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish realistic export goals. Applicants are not required, however, to use the UES format. Organizations can submit applications in the UES format by two methods. The first allows an applicant to submit information directly to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet website. The FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet, as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions (along with two paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette.

Applicants planning to use the Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information. The Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. To be considered for the MAP, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by the MAP regulations in section 1485.13. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the need to identify entities that are receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applications and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

The FAS administers various other agricultural export assistance programs including the Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) Program, cochran Fellowships, the Emerging Markets Program, the Quality Samples Program, the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program and several Export Credit Guarantee programs. Any organization that is not interested in applying for the MAP but would like to request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned should contact the Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, March 15, 2004. All MAP applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also must submit by the application deadline, via hand delivery or U.S. mail, an original signed certification statement as specified in 7 CFR 1485.13(a)(2)(i)(G). Applications or certifications received after this date will not be considered.

4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses. CCC will not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval. Full details are available in the MAP regulations in section 1485.16.

5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations. All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, March 15, 2004. Signed certification statements also must be received by that time at one of the addresses listed below.

All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies and a signed certification statement) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, March 15, 2004, at one of the following addresses:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc. ): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria and Review Process. Following is a description of the FAS process for reviewing applications and the criteria for allocating available MAP funds.

Applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by the FAS to determine the eligibility of the applicants and the completeness of the applications.

These requirements appear at sections 1485.12 and 1485.13 of the MAP regulations. Applications that meet the requirements then will be further evaluated by the proper FAS Commodity Division. The Divisions will review each application against the criteria listed in section 1485.14 of the MAP regulations. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals and to recommend an appropriate funding level for each application based upon these criteria.

Meritorious applications then will be passed on to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs, for the purpose of allocating available funds among the applicants. Applications will compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor):

• The applicant's 4-year average share (2001-2004) of all contributions (cash and goods and services provided by U.S. entities in support of overseas marketing and promotion activities) compared to

• The applicant's 4-year average share (2001-2004) of the funding level for all MAP participants.

• The 3-year average share (2001-2003) of the value of exports promoted by the applicant compared to

• The applicant's 2-year average share (2002-2003) of the funding level for all MAP applicants plus, for those groups participating in the Cooperator program, the 2-year average share (2003-2004) of Cooperator marketing plan budgets, and the 2-year average share (2002-2003) of foreign overhead provided for co-location within a U.S. agricultural office;

• The total dollar value of projected exports promoted by the applicant for 2004 compared to

• The applicant's requested funding level;

• Actual exports for 2002 as reported in the 2004 MAP application compared to

• Past projections of exports for 2002 as specified in the 2002 MAP application.

The Commodity Divisions' recommended funding levels for each applicant are converted to percentages of the total MAP funds available then multiplied by the total weight factor as described above to determine the amount of funds allocated to each applicant.

2. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding decisions for the MAP are anticipated during June 2004.

1. Award Notices. The FAS will notify all applicants in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of MAP funding and cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested parties should review the MAP regulations which are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/mapprog.html. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting MOS at (202) 720-4327.

3. Reporting. The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from MAP participants. Reporting requirements are detailed in the MAP regulations in section 1485.20(b) and (c).

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

Authority: The QSP is authorized under section 5(f) of the CCC Charter Act, 15 U.S.C. 714c(f).

Purpose: The QSP is designed to encourage the development and expansion of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities by assisting U.S. entities in providing commodity samples to potential foreign importers to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the high quality of U.S. agricultural commodities.

QSP participants will be responsible for procuring (or arranging for the procurement of) commodity samples, exporting the samples, and providing the technical assistance necessary to facilitate successful use of the samples by importers. Participants that are funded under this announcement may seek reimbursement for the sample purchase price and the costs of transporting the samples domestically to the port of export and then to the foreign port, or point, of entry. Transportation costs from the foreign port, or point, of entry to the final destination will not be eligible for reimbursement. CCC will not reimburse the costs incidental to purchasing and transporting samples, for example, inspection or documentation fees. Although providing technical assistance is required for all projects, CCC will not reimburse the costs of providing technical assistance. A QSP participant will be reimbursed after CCC reviews its reimbursement claim and determines that the claim is complete.

General Scope of QSP Projects: QSP projects are the activities undertaken by a QSP participant to provide an appropriate sample of a U.S. agricultural commodity to a foreign importer, or a group of foreign importers, in a given market. The purpose of the project is to provide information to an appropriate target audience regarding the attributes, characteristics, and proper use of the U.S. commodity. A QSP project addresses a single market/commodity combination.

As a general matter, QSP projects should conform to the following guidelines:

• Projects should benefit the represented U.S. industry and not a specific company or brand;

• Projects should develop a new market for a U.S. product, promote a new U.S. product, or promote a new use for a U.S. product, rather than promote the substitution of one established U.S. product for another;

• Sample commodities provided under a QSP project must be in sufficient supply and available on a commercial basis;

• The QSP project must either subject the commodity sample to further processing or substantial transformation in the importing country, or the sample must be used in technical seminars designed to demonstrate to an appropriate target audience the proper preparation or use of the sample in the creation of an end product;

• Samples provided in a QSP project shall not be directly used as part of a retail promotion or supplied directly to consumers. However, the end product, that is, the product resulting from further processing, substantial transformation, or a technical seminar, may be provided to end-use consumers to demonstrate to importers consumer preference for that end product; and,

• Samples shall be in quantities less than a typical commercial sale and limited to the amount sufficient to achieve the project goal ( e.g., not more than a full commercial mill run in the destination country). QSP projects shall target foreign importers and target audiences who:

• Have not previously purchased the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP;

• Are unfamiliar with the variety, quality attribute, or end-use characteristic of the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP;

• Have been unsuccessful in previous attempts to import, process, and market the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP ( e.g., because of improper specification, blending, or formulation; or sanitary or phytosanitary issues);

• Are interested in testing or demonstrating the benefits of the U.S. commodity which will be transported under the QSP; or,

• Need technical assistance in processing or using the U.S. commodity that will be transported under the QSP.

Under the QSP, the CCC enters into agreements with approved participants to share the costs of certain overseas marketing and promotion activities. Under this announement, the number of projects per participant will not be limited. However, individual projects will be limited to $75,000 of QSP reimbursement. Projects comprised of technical preparation seminars, that is, projects that do not include further processing or substantial transformation, will be limited to $15,000 of QSP reimbursement as these projects require smaller samples. Financial assistance will be made available on a reimbursement basis; that is, cash advances will not be made available to any QSP participant.

All proposals will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein and funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. These agreements will incorporate the proposal as approved by FAS. FAS must approve in advance any subsequent changes to the project.

1. Eligible Applicants. Any United States private or government entity with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, State regional trade groups, and profit-making entities.

2. Cost Sharing. Although a minimum level of cost share contribution is not required under the program, FAS does consider the applicant's willingness to contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties, when determining which proposals are approved for funding.

1. Address to Request Application Package. Organizations can submit applications to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet website. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions in the UES format (along with two paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette. However, the UES format is not required.

Applicants planning to use the UES Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information including a user ID and password. The UES Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. To be considered for the QSP, an applicant must submit to the FAS information detailed in this notice. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the need to identify entities that are receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applicants and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

Applicants to the QSP are not required to submit proposals in any specific format; however, FAS recommends that proposals contain, at a minimum, the following: (a) Organizational information, including:

• Organization's name, address, Chief Executive Officer (or designee), Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN), and DUNS number;

• Type of organization;

• Name, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address of the primary contact person;

• A description of the organization and its membership;

• A description of the organization's prior export promotion experience; and

• A description of the organization's experience in implementing an appropriate trade/technical assistance component;

(b) Market information, including:

• An assessment of the market;

• A long-term strategy in the market; and

• U.S. export value/volume and market share (historic and goals) for 2000-2005;

(c) Project information, including:

• A brief project title;

• Amount of funding requested;

• A brief description of the specific market development trade constraint or opportunity to be addressed by the project, performance measures for the years 2004-2006 which will be used to measure the effectiveness of the project, a benchmark performance measurer for 2003, the viability of long term sales to this market, the goals of the project, and the expected benefits to the represented industry;

• A description of the activities planned to address the constraint or opportunity, including how the sample will be used in the end-use performance trial, the attributes of the sample to be demonstrated and its end-use benefit, and details of the trade/technical servicing component (including who will provide and who will fund this component);

• A sample description ( i.e., commodity, quantity, quality, type, and grade), including a justification for selecting a sample with such characteristics (this justification should explain in detail why the project could not be effective with a smaller sample);

• An itemized list of all estimated costs associated with the project for which reimbursement will be sought; and

• The importer's role in the project regarding handling and processing the commodity sample; and

(d) information indicating all funding sources and amounts to be contributed by each entity that will supplement implementation of the proposed project. This may include the organization that submitted the proposal, private industry entities, host governments, foreign third parties, CCC, FAS, or other Federal agencies. Contributed resources may include cash or goods and services.

3. Submission Dates and Times. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 15, 2004. Applications received after this date will be considered only if funds are still available.

4. Funding Restrictions. Proposals which request more than $75,000 of CCC funding for individual projects will not be considered. Projects comprised of technical preparation seminars will be limited to $15,000 in QSP funding. CCC will not reimburse expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures.

5. Other Submission Requirements. All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time, March 15, 2004, at one of the following addresses:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria. FAS will use the following criteria in evaluating proposals:

• The ability of the organization to provide an experienced staff with the requisite technical and trade experience to execute the proposal;

• The extent to which the proposal is targeted to a market in which the United States is generally competitive;

• The potential for expanding commercial sales in the proposed market;

• The nature of the specific market constraint or opportunity involved and how well it is addressed by the proposal;

• The extent to which the importer's contribution in terms of handling and processing enhances the potential outcome of the project;

• The amount of reimbursement requested and the organization's willingness to contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties; and

• How well the proposed technical assistance component assures that performance trials will effectively demonstrate the intended end-use benefit.

Highest priority for funding under this announcement will be given to meritorious proposals that target countries that meet either of the following criteria:

• Per capita income less than $9,205 (the ceiling on upper middle income economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development Indicators 2003]); and population greater than 1 million. Proposals may address suitable regional groupings, for example, the islands of the Caribbean Basin; or

• U.S. market share of imports of the commodity identified in the proposal of 10 percent or less.

2. Review and Selection Process. Proposals will be evaluated by the applicable FAS commodity division. The divisions will review each proposal against the factors described above. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals, recommend an appropriate funding level for each proposal based upon these factors, and submit the proposals and funding recommendations to the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs.

3. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding decisions for the QSP are anticipated during June 2004.

1. Award Notice. The FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of QSP funding and any cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. The agreements will incorporate the details of each project as approved by FAS. Each agreement will identify terms and conditions pursuant to which CCC will reimburse certain costs of each project. Agreements will also outline the responsibilities of the participant, including, but not limited to, procurement (or arranging for procurement) of the commodity sample at a fair market price, arranging for transportation of the commodity sample within the time limit specified in the agreement (organizations should endeavor to ship commodities within 6 months of effective date of agreement), compliance with cargo preference requirements (shipment on United States flag vessels, as required), compliance with the Fly America Act requirements (shipment on United States air carriers, as required), timely and effective implementation of technical assistance, and submission of a written evaluation report within 90 days of expiration of the agreement.

QSP agreements are subject to review and verification by the FAS Compliance Review Staff. Upon request, a QSP participant will provide to CCC the original documents which support the participant's reimbursement claims. CCC may deny a claim for reimbursement if the claim is not supported by adequate documentation.

3. Reporting. A written evaluation report must be submitted within 90 days of the expiration of each participant's QSP agreement. Evaluation reports should address all performance measures that were presented in the proposal.

For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

Purpose: The TASC Program is designed to assist U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. U.S. specialty crops, for the purpose of the TASC Program, are defined to include all cultivated plants, or the products thereof, produced in the U.S., except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco.

As a general matter, TASC Program projects should be designed to accomplish the following goals:

• Projects should address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the export of U.S. specialty crops;

• Projects should demonstrably benefit the represented industry and not a specific company or brand; and,

• Projects must address barriers to U.S. specialty crops the are currently available on a commercial basis and for which barrier removal would predominately benefit U.S. exports.

Examples of expenses that the CCC may agree to reimburse under the TASC Program include, but are not limited to: Initial pre-clearance programs, export protocol and work plan support, seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, development of pest lists, pest and disease research, database development, reasonable logistical and administrative support, and travel and per diem expenses.

In general, all qualified proposals received before the specified application deadlines will compete for funding. The limited funds and the range of barriers affecting the exports of U.S. specialty crops worldwide preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual projects. In prior years, the amount of funding per proposal has ranged from $13,000 to $250,000, the maximum allowed.

Applicants may submit multiple proposals, and applicants with previously approved TASC proposals may apply for additional funding. However, no TASC participant may have more than three approved projects underway at any given time.

The FAS will consider providing either grant funds at direct assistance to U.S. organizations or providing technical assistance on behalf of U.S. organizations, provided that the organization submits timely and qualified proposals. The FAS will review all proposals against the evaluation criteria contained in the program regulations.

Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. These agreements will incorporate the proposal as approved by FAS. FAS must approve in advance any subsequent changes to the project. The FAS or another Federal agency may have involvement in the implementation of approved projects.

1. Eligible Applicants: Any United States organization, private or government, may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of federal, state, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and private companies.

Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from the program.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Although a minimum level of cost share contribution is not required, it is very strongly encouraged in this highly competitive program. If provided, such support may be in the form of cash, good, or in-kind services which are dedicated to the project by the organization that submitted the proposal, private industry entities, host governments, or foreign third parties.

1. Address to Request Application Package: Organizations can submit applications to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet website. Applicants also have the option of submitting electronic versions in the UES format (along with two paper copies) of their applications to the FAS on diskette.

Applicants planning to use the UES Internet-based system must contact the FAS Marketing Operations Staff on (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information including a user ID and password. The UES Internet-based application, including a Help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html. Applicants are not required to use the UES, but are strongly encouraged to do so because it reduces paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle.

Applicants who choose to submit applications on diskette can obtain an application format by contacting the Marketing Operations Staff, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission: All TASC proposals must contain complete information about the proposed projects as described in section 1487.5(b) of the TASC Program regulations. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) regarding the use of a universal identifier for all Federal grants and cooperative agreements, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711. Incomplete applications and applications which do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.

3. Submission Dates and Times: TASC funding is limited, and in order to assure sufficient resources are available to meet unanticipated needs during the fiscal year, TASC proposals will, generally, only be evaluated on a quarterly basis. That is:

• Proposals received prior to, but not later than 5 p.m. (local time Washington, DC) February 1, 2004, will only be considered for funding during the three month period beginning on that date;

• Proposals received prior to, but not later than 5 p.m. (local time Washington, DC) May 1, 2004, will only be considered for funding during the three month period beginning on that date;

• proposals received prior to, but not later than 5 p.m. (local time Washington, DC) August 1, 2004, will only be considered for funding during the three month period beginning on that date.

• Proposals not approved for funding during the applicable review period will only be considered for funding during a subsequent period, or after August 1, 2004, when the applicant specifically requests such consideration in writing. Proposals received after 5 p.m. August 1, 2004, or rejected proposals for which the applicant requests consideration after that date, will be considered if funding remains available at that time.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a proposal may be submitted for expedited consideration under the TASC Quick Response process if, in addition to meeting all requirements of the TASC program, a proposal clearly identifies a time-sensitive activity. In these cases, a proposal may be submitted at any time for an immediate evaluation.

All proposals will be date stamped upon receipt.

4. Funding Restrictions: Proposals which request more than $250,000 of CCC funding in a given year will not be considered. Proposals to fund projects that exceed three years in duration will not be considered. No TASC participant may have more than three approved projects underway at any given time. Although funded projects may take place in the United States, all eligible projects must specifically address sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical barriers to the export of U.S. specialty crops.

Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program. For example, program funds shall not be used to reimburse the costs of market research, advertising, or other promotional expenses. CCC will not reimburse expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures.

5. Other Submission Requirements: All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. (local time in Washington, DC) on February 1, 2004; May 1, 2004; or August 1, 2004, in order to be considered during that quarter's review process.

All applications on diskette (with two accompanying paper copies) and any other applications must be received by 5 p.m. (local time in Washington, DC) on February 1, 2004; May 1, 2004; or August 1, 2004, at one of the following addresses:

Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.); U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Room 4932-S, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

1. Criteria: The FAS follows the evaluation criteria set forth in § 1487.6 of the TASC regulations.

2. Review and Selection Process: The FAS will review proposals for eligibility and will evaluate each proposal against the factors described above. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals, recommend an appropriate funding level for each proposal based upoon these factors, and submit the proposals and funding recommendations to the Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs. The FAS may, when appropriate to the subject matter of the proposal, request the assistance of other U.S. government experts in evaluating the merits of a proposal.

1. Award Notices: The FAS will notify all applicants in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including levels of funding, timelines for implementation and written evaluation requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: The agreements will incorporate the details of each project as approved by FAS. Each agreement will identify terms and conditions pursuant to which CCC will reimburse certain costs of each project. Agreements will also outline the responsibilities of the participant. Interested parties should review the TASC Program regulations found at 7 CFR part 1478 in addition to this announcement.

3. Reporting: TASC participants are subject to the reporting and recordkeeping requirements described in 7 CFR part 3019. In addition, participants are required to submit a written report(s), on no less than an annual basis, and a final report, each of which evaluates their TASC project using the performance measures presented in the approved proposal.

For additional information or assistance, contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932-S, Stop 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.

Title: Analysis of the Summer Food Service Program and Food Needs of Nonparticipating Children—Data Collection Instruments.

OMB Number: Not yet assigned.

Expiration Date: N/A.

Type of Request: New collection of information.

Abstract: Section 13 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA), 42 U.S.C. 1761, authorizes the Summer Food Service Program. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides assistance to States to initiate and maintain nonprofit food service programs for children in needy areas during the summer months and at other approved times. The food service to be provided under the Summer Food Service Program is intended to serve as a substitute for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program during the times when school is not in session. During the regular school year, the federally funded National School Lunch Program makes available nutritious meals to children attending elementary, middle and high schools. Children, who could not otherwise afford to pay full price, are able to receive their lunch for free or at a reduced price, depending on the economic status of their household. Breakfasts are also made available in most school districts during the school year to provide nutritious meals to children.

When school lets out for the summer, children from low-income areas can potentially participate in the SFSP. Meals available through the SFSP are often offered through various educational and recreational activities, including camps, sports and art/craft activities. The primary goal of SFSP is to provide nutritious meals to children in low-income areas when school is not in session during the summer. The summer food program for children operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. However, the number of children in the SFSP served in July 2001 (2.1 million per day) was only about 14 percent of the children who receive free or reduced-priced school lunches during the previous, regular school year.

The Food and Nutrition Service has a need for information on households' awareness of SFSP sites in their local communities, reasons why their children do not participate, and perceptions of food adequacy for their children during the summer compared to the regular school year. Telephone and in-depth personal interviews are to be conducted in English and Spanish, as needed, with an ethnic and racially diverse sample of parents/guardians of children in low-income areas who receive free and reduced lunches during the school year but who do not participate in the SFSP. Additional interviews will also be conducted for comparison purposes with the parents/guardians of qualifying children who do participate in the summer food program for children. The interviews will be held in four sites around the United States.

Respondents: Parents/guardians of children in low-income areas who qualify for free or reduced price lunches during the regular school year and who do not participate in the SFSP, as well as parents/guardians of children that do participate in SFSP.

Estimated Number of Respondents: A telephone screener survey will be administered to an estimated 400 households. Based on information obtained from the screener survey, 50 households will complete an extended telephone interview (40 households with elementary-grade children who did not participate in the SFSP and 10 households with children who did participate in SFSP) in each of the four sites for a total of 200 extended telephone interviews. Twenty-five in-person interviews will be conducted among the 50 households completing telephone interviews in each of the four sites for a total of 100 in-person interviews.

Estimated number of responses per Respondent: One response for the 100 households completing only the telephone interview, two responses for the 100 households who complete the telephone and the in-person interviews.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for parents/guardians is estimated to be 10 minutes for completing the telephone screener and 20 minutes for completing additional questions in the extended telephone interview. The in-person interview will require 30 minutes.

Estimate Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 183.4 hours.

Screener interview = 400 households × 10 minutes = 66.7 hours; extended telephone interview = 200 households × 20 minutes = 66.7 hours; in-person interview with respondents who have already completed the screener and the telephone survey = 100 households × 30 minutes = 50 hours.

A limited number of individual copies of the Draft SEIS may also be obtained by contacting Jerry Hubbard. Copies are also available for inspection at public libraries and Forest Service or BLM offices in western Washington, western Oregon, and northwestern California.

Three alternatives, including no action, are considered in detail in the FSEIS. The preferred alternative is Alternative 2. The preferred alternative would remove the survey and manage mitigation measure and the Agencies would rely on other elements of the Northwest Forest Plan and their existing Special Status Species Programs to conserve rare species. A decision to select one of the action alternatives would amend the management direction in all 28 Forest Service land and resource management plans and BLM resource management plans in the Northwest Forest Plan area.

Readers should note that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior are the responsible officials for this proposed action.

Therefore, no administrative review (“appeal”) through the Forest Service will be available on the Record of Decision under 36 CFR part 217, and no administrative review (“protest”) through the BLM will be available on the proposed decision under 43 CFR 1610.5-2. Because there is no administrative review of the decision, the record of decision will not be signed for a minimum of 30 days after the EPA notice of availability of this FSEIS appears in the Federal Register .

The meeting is open to the public. Committee discussion is limited to Forest Service staff and Committee members. However, persons who wish to bring Payments to States Fresno County Title II project matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting.

Public sessions will be provided and individuals who made written requests by January 13, 2004 will have the opportunity to address the Committee at those sessions. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Call for new projects; (2) Status report from project recipients; and (3) Public comment.

The meeting is open to the public. Committee discussion is limited to Forest Service staff, Committee members and elected officials. However, persons who wish to bring matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting. A public input session will be provided and individuals who made written requests by February 6, 2004, will have the opportunity to address the committee at that session. Individuals wishing to speak or propose agenda items must send their names and proposals to Glen Gaines, Acting District Ranger, DFO, 1200 Hwy. 184 East, Meadville, MS 39653.

Federal Agency Name: United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Assistant Administrator, Electric Program.

Funding Opportunity Title: Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities.

Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-RD-RUS-HECG03-1

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.859. The CFDA title for this program is “Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities.”

Dates: Applications must be postmarked or filed with Grants.gov by March 5, 2004.

RUS is making available $11.3 million in competitive grants under section 19 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (the “RE Act”) (7 U.S.C. 918a). Under section 19, RUS is authorized to make grants to “acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities in which the average residential expenditure for home energy is at least 275 percent of the national average residential expenditure for home energy.”

The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance for a broad range of energy facilities, equipment and related activities to offset the impacts of extremely high residential energy costs on eligible communities. Grant funds may be used to “acquire, construct, extend, upgrade and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities” serving extremely high energy cost communities. Eligible facilities include on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems and implementation of cost-effective demand side management and energy conservation programs that benefit eligible communities.

Eligible applicants include “persons, States, political subdivisions of States, and other entities organized under the laws of States.” Under section 13 of the RE Act (7 U.S.C. 913) “the term person shall be deemed to mean any natural person, firm, corporation, or association.” Indian tribes and tribal entities are eligible applicants and beneficiaries under this program.

No cost sharing or matching funds are required as a condition of eligibility under this grant program. However, RUS will consider other financial resources available to the grantee and any voluntary commitment of matching funds or other contributions in assessing the grantee's capacity to carry out the grant program successfully and will award additional evaluation points to proposals that include such contributions.

As a further condition of each grant, section 19 (b)(2) of the RE Act requires that planning and administrative expenses may not exceed 4 percent of the grant funds.

This NOFA provides an overview of the grant program, eligibility and application requirements, and selection criteria. Applicants should consult the detailed grant Application Guide for additional information on application requirements and copies of all required forms and certifications. The Application Guide is available on the Internet from the RUS Web site at http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric. The application guide may also be requested from the Agency contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.

As used in this NOFA:

Administrator means the Administrator of the RUS.

Agency means the Rural Utilities Service.

Application Guide means the Application Guide prepared by RUS for the High Energy Cost Grant program containing detailed instructions for determining eligibility and preparing grant applications, and copies of required forms, questionnaires, and model certifications.

Census block means the smallest geographic entity for which the Census Bureau collects and tabulates decennial census information and which are defined by boundaries shown on census maps.

Census designated place (CDP) means a statistical entity recognized by the U.S. Census comprising a dense concentration of population that is not within an incorporated place but is locally identified by a name and with boundaries defined on census maps.

Extremely high energy costs means local community average residential energy costs that are at least 275 percent of one or more home energy cost benchmarks identified by RUS based on the national average residential energy expenditures as reported by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Home energy means any energy source or fuel used by a household including electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), other petroleum products, wood and other biomass fuels, coal, wind, and solar energy. Fuels used for subsistence activities in remote rural areas are also included. Other transportation fuel uses are not included, however.

Home energy cost benchmarks means the criteria established by RUS for eligibility as an extremely high energy cost community. Home energy cost benchmarks are calculated for total annual household energy expenditures; total annual expenditures for individual fuels; annual average per unit energy costs for primary home energy sources at 275 percent of EIA estimates of national average residential energy expenditure.

Indian Tribe means a Federally recognized tribe as defined under section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b) to include “ * * * any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.”

Person means any natural person, firm, corporation, or association and for purposes of this notice, includes Indian tribes and tribal entities.

Primary home energy source means the energy source that is used for space heating or cooling, water heating, cooking, and lighting. A household or community may have more than one primary home energy source.

State rural development initiative means a rural economic development program funded by or carried out in cooperation with a State agency.

Target area means the geographic area to be served by the grant.

Target community means the unit or units of local government in which the target area is located.

Tribal entity means a legal entity that is owned, controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by the recognized governing body of an Indian tribe as defined in this NOFA.

The total amount of funds available for grants under this notice is $11.3 million. The maximum amount of grant assistance that will be considered for funding in a grant application under this notice is $5,000,000. The minimum amount of assistance for a grant application under this program is $75,000. The number of grants awarded under this NOFA will depend on the number of applications submitted, the amount of grant funds requested, and the quality and competitiveness of applications submitted. In response to the NOFA published December 9, 2002 [67 FR 72904], RUS selected 9 projects for funding. The grant awards ranged from $173,000 to $3,775,000.

The funding instrument available under this NOFA will be a grant agreement. Grants awarded under this notice must comply with all applicable USDA and Federal regulations concerning financial assistance, with the terms of this notice, and with the requirements of section 19 of the RE Act. Grants made under this NOFA will be administered under and are subject to USDA financial assistance regulations at 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, and 3052, as applicable. The award period will generally be for 36 months, however, longer periods may be approved depending on the project involved.

Projects that were selected for funding under the December 9, 2002, NOFA will not be considered for additional funding under this Notice. Applicants that submitted project application packages during the prior round that were not selected for funding may request reconsideration of their proposals under this NOFA.

All timely submitted and complete applications will be reviewed for eligibility and rated according to the criteria described in this NOFA. Applications will be ranked in order of their numerical scores on the rating criteria and forwarded to the RUS Administrator. The Administrator will review the rankings and the recommendations of the rating panels. The RUS Administrator will then fund grant applications in rank order.

RUS reserves the right not to award any or all the funds made available under this notice, if in the sole opinion of the Administrator, the grant proposals submitted are not deemed feasible. RUS also reserves the right to partially fund grants if grant applications exceed the available funds. RUS will advise applicants if it cannot fully fund a grant request.

Under Section 19 eligible applicants include “persons, States, political subdivisions of States, and other entities organized under the laws of States'' (7 U.S.C. 918a). Under section 13 of the RE Act, the term “person” means “any natural person, firm, corporation, or association” (7 U.S.C. 913). Examples of eligible applicants include: for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including corporations, associations, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), cooperatives, trusts, and sole proprietorships; State and local governments, counties, cities, towns, boroughs, or other agencies or units of State or local governments; Indian tribes, other tribal entities, Alaska Native Corporations; and individuals.

An individual is an eligible applicant under this program, however, the proposed grant project must provide community benefits and not be for the sole benefit of an individual applicant.

All applicants must demonstrate the legal capacity to enter into a binding grant agreement with the Federal Government at the time of the award and to carry out the proposed grant funded project according to its terms.

Effective October 1, 2003, all applicants for Federal grants with the exception of individuals other than sole proprietorships must have a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Consistent with this new Federal policy directive, any organization that applies for an RUS high energy cost grant, including entities seeking reconsideration of prior applications, must use their DUNS number on the application and the revised SF 424, “Application for Federal Assistance.” DUN's numbers are available without charge to Federal Grant applicants. Information on how to obtain a DUNS number and the new Federal requirement on DUNS numbers is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/duns_num_guide.pdf.

If you already have obtained a DUNS number in connection with the Federal acquisition process or requested or had one assigned to you for another purpose, you should use that number on all of your applications. It is not necessary to request another DUNS number from D&B.

If you know you do not have a DUNS number or if you are not sure if you have a DUNS number, you should call D&B using the toll-free number, 1-866-705-5711 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time of the caller when calling from within the continental United States) and indicate that you are a Federal grant applicant or prospective applicant. D&B will tell you if you already have a number. If you do not have a DUNS number, D&B will ask you to provide the information listed below and will immediately assign you a number, free of charge. The process to request a number over the telephone takes about 5-10 minutes. D&B will immediately assign you a number, free of charge at the conclusion of the call. You will need to provide the following information required to obtain a DUNS number:

• Legal name of your organization.

• Headquarters name and address for your organization.

• Doing business as (DBA) or other name by which your organization is commonly known or recognized.

• Physical address, city, State and zip code.

• Mailing address (if separate from headquarters and/or physical address).

• Telephone number.

• Contact name and title.

• Number of employees at your physical location.

You may also request a DUNS number over the Internet from http://www.dnb.com, however, it may take up to 30 days to process your request, and therefore it is strongly recommended that Federal grant applicants use the telephone application process.

No cost sharing or matching funds are required as a condition of eligibility under this grant program. However, RUS will consider other financial resources available to the grantee and any voluntary commitment of matching funds or other contributions in assessing the grantee's capacity to carry out the grant program successfully and will award additional evaluation points to proposals that include such contributions. If a successful applicant proposes to use matching funds in its project to obtain additional evaluation points, the grant agreement will include conditions requiring documentation of the availability of the matching funds and actual expenditure of matching funds.

Grantees must use grant funds to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving eligible communities. All energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, equipment, and associated services used to provide electricity, natural gas, home heating fuels, and other residential energy service are eligible. On-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency, and energy conservation projects that serve eligible communities are included.

Grants may cover up to the full costs of any eligible projects subject to the statutory condition that no more than 4 percent of grant funds may be used for the planning and administrative expenses of the grantee.

The project must serve communities that meet the extremely high energy cost eligibility requirements described in this NOFA. The grantee must demonstrate that the proposed project will benefit eligible communities. Additional information on eligible activities is contained in the Application Guide.

Grant funds cannot be used for: preparation of the grant application, fuel purchases, routine maintenance or other operating costs, and purchase of equipment, structures, or real estate not directly associated with provision of residential energy services. In general, grant funds may not be used to support projects that primarily benefit areas outside of eligible target communities. However, grant funds may be used to finance an eligible target community's proportionate share of a larger energy project.

Each grant applicant must demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility of its proposed project. Activities or equipment that would commonly be considered as research and development activities, or commercial demonstration projects for new energy technologies will not be considered as technologically feasible projects and would, thus, be ineligible grant purposes. However, grant funds may be used for projects that involve the innovative use or adaptation of energy-related technologies that have been commercially proven.

The grant project must benefit communities with extremely high energy costs. The RE Act defines an extremely high energy cost community as one in which “the average residential expenditure for home energy is at least 275 percent of the national average residential expenditure for home energy” as determined by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) using the most recent data available. 7 U.S.C. 918a.

The statutory requirement that community residential expenditures for home energy exceed 275 percent of national average establishes a very high threshold for eligibility under this program. RUS has calculated high energy cost benchmarks based on EIA national average home energy expenditure data. Communities must meet one or more high energy cost benchmarks to qualify as an eligible beneficiary of a grant under this program. Based on available published information on residential energy costs, RUS anticipates that only those communities with the highest energy costs across the country will qualify under this congressionally-mandated standard.

The EIA's Residential Energy Consumption and Expenditure Surveys (RECS) and reports provide the baseline national average household energy costs that were used by RUS for establishing extremely high energy cost community eligibility criteria for this grant program. The RECS data base and reports provide national and regional information on residential energy use, expenditures, and housing characteristics. The latest available RECS home energy expenditure estimates are based on 1997 survey data and are shown in Table 1.

Extremely high energy costs in rural and remote communities typically result from a combination of factors. The most prevalent include high energy consumption, high per unit energy costs in local markets, limited availability of energy sources, extreme climate conditions, and housing characteristics. The relative impacts of these conditions exhibit regional and seasonal diversity. Market factors have created an additional complication in recent years as the prices of the major commercial residential energy sources—electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, and LPG/propane—have fluctuated dramatically in some areas.

RUS has established community eligibility criteria based on EIA's estimates of national average residential energy expenditures. Table 1 shows the national averages and RUS benchmark criteria for extremely high energy costs. The applicant must demonstrate that each community in the grant's proposed target area exceeds one or more of these high energy cost benchmarks to be eligible for assistance under this program.

The benchmarks measure extremely high energy costs for residential consumers. These benchmarks were calculated using EIA's estimates of national average residential energy expenditures per household and by primary home energy source. The benchmarks recognize the diverse factors that contribute to extremely high home energy costs in rural communities. The benchmarks allow extremely high energy cost communities several alternatives for demonstrating eligibility. Communities may qualify based on: total annual household energy expenditures; total annual expenditures for commercially-supplied primary home energy sources, i.e. , electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane; or average annual per unit home energy costs. By providing alternative measures for demonstrating eligibility, the benchmarks reduce the burden on potential applicants created by the limited public availability of comprehensive data on local community energy consumption and expenditures.

RUS is adopting the following high energy cost benchmarks as eligibility criteria for competitive grant applications submitted in response to this NOFA. A target community or target area will qualify as an extremely high cost energy community if it meets one or more of the energy cost benchmarks described below.

1. Extremely High Average Annual Household Expenditure for Home Energy. The target area or community exceeds one or more of the following:

• Average annual residential electricity expenditure of $2,341 per household;

• Average annual residential natural gas expenditure of $1,547 per household;

• Average annual residential expenditure on fuel oil of $1,870 per household;

• Average annual residential expenditure on propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a primary home energy source of $1,266 per household; or

• Average annual residential energy expenditure (for all non-transportation uses) of $3,613 per household.

2. Extremely High Average per unit energy costs. The average residential per unit cost for major commercial energy sources in the target area or community exceeds one or more of the following:

• Annual average revenues per kilowatt hour for residential electricity customers of $0.229 per kilowatt hour (kWh);

• Annual average residential natural gas price of $18.78 per thousand cubic feet;

• Annual average residential fuel oil price of $2.62 per gallon;

• Annual average residential price of propane or LPG as a primary home energy source of $2.72 per gallon; or

• Total annual average residential energy cost on a Btu basis of $36.13 per million Btu. 1

The applicant must include information that demonstrates its eligibility under the RUS high energy cost benchmarks for the target communities and the target areas. The applicant must supply documentation or references for its sources for actual or estimated home energy expenditures or equivalent measures to support eligibility. Generally, the applicant will be expected to use historical residential energy cost or expenditure information for the local energy provider serving the target community or target area to determine eligibility. Other potential sources of home energy related information include Federal and State agencies, local community energy providers such as electric and natural gas utilities and fuel dealers, and commercial publications. The Application Guide includes a list of EIA resources on residential energy consumption and costs that may be of assistance.

The grant applicant must establish eligibility for each community in the project's target area. To determine eligibility, the applicant must identify each community included in whole or in part within the target areas and provide supporting actual or estimated energy expenditure data for each community. The smallest area that may be designated as a target area is a 2000 Census block. This minimum size is necessary to enable a determination of population size.

Potential applicants can compare the RUS benchmark criteria to available information about local energy use and costs to determine their eligibility. Applicants should demonstrate their eligibility using historical energy use and cost information. Where such information is unavailable or does not adequately reflect the actual costs of supporting average home energy use in a local community, RUS will consider estimated commercial energy costs. The Application Guide includes examples of circumstances where estimated energy costs are used.

EIA does not collect or maintain data on home energy expenditures in sufficient detail to identify specific rural localities as extremely high energy cost communities. Therefore, grant applicants will have to provide information on local community energy costs from other sources to support their applications

In many instances, historical community energy cost information can be obtained from a variety of public sources or from local utilities and other energy providers. For example, EIA publishes monthly and annual reports of residential prices by State and by service area for electric utilities and larger natural gas distribution companies. Average residential fuel oil and propane prices are reported regionally and for major cities by government and private publications. Many State agencies also compile and publish information on residential energy costs to support State programs.

Where historical community energy cost data are incomplete or lacking or where community-wide data do not accurately reflect the costs of providing home energy services in the target area, the applicant may substitute estimates based on engineering standards. The estimates should use available community, local, or regional data on energy expenditures, consumption, housing characteristics and population. Estimates are also appropriate where the target area does not presently have centralized commercial energy services at a level that is comparable to other residential customers in the State or region. For example, local commercial energy cost information may not be available where the target area is without local electric service because of the high costs of connection. Engineering cost estimates reflecting the incremental costs of extending service could reasonably be used to establish eligibility for areas without grid-connected electric service. Estimates also may be appropriate where historical energy costs do not reflect the costs of providing a necessary upgrade or replacement of energy infrastructure to maintain or extend service that would raise costs above one or more of benchmarks.

Information to support high energy cost eligibility is subject to independent review by RUS. Applications that contain information that is not reasonably based on credible sources of information and sound estimates will be rejected. Where appropriate, RUS may consult standard sources to confirm the reasonableness of information and estimates provided by applicants in determining eligibility, technical feasibility, and adequacy of proposed budget estimates.

USDA encourages the coordination of grant projects under this program with State rural development initiatives. There is no requirement that the grant proposal receive the concurrence or approval of State officials as a condition of eligibility under this program. RUS will, however, award additional priority points to proposals that are coordinated with and support rural development initiatives within a State. The Applicant should describe how the proposed project will support State rural development initiatives and provide documentation evidencing any concurrence or endorsement by State rural development officials.

If an Applicant is an entity directly involved in rural development efforts, such as a State, local, or tribal rural development agency or a participant in an existing USDA Rural Development program, the Applicant may qualify for additional points by describing how its proposed project supports its efforts.

1. Statutory limitation on planning and administrative expenses.

Section 19 of the RE Act provides that no more than 4 percent of the grant funds for any project may be used for the planning and administrative expenses of the grantee.

2. Ineligible Grant Purposes.

Grant funds cannot be used for: preparation of the grant application, fuel purchases, routine maintenance or other operating costs, and purchase of equipment, structures, or real estate not directly associated with provision of residential energy services. In general, grant funds may not be used to support projects that primarily benefit areas outside of eligible target communities. However, grant funds may be used to finance an eligible target community's proportionate share of a larger energy project.

Consistent with USDA policy, grant funds awarded under this program generally cannot be used to replace other USDA assistance or to refinance or repay outstanding RUS loans. Grant funds may, however, be used in combination with other USDA assistance programs including RUS loans. Grants may be applied toward grantee contributions under other USDA programs depending on the terms of those programs. For example, an applicant may propose to use grant funds to offset the costs of electric system improvements in extremely high cost areas and as a cost contribution as part of the utility's expansion of its distribution system financed in whole or part by an RUS electric loan. An applicant may propose to finance a portion of an energy project for an extremely high energy cost community through this grant program and secure the remaining project costs through a loan or loan guarantee or grant from RUS or other sources.

3. Maximum and minimum awards.

The maximum amount of grant assistance that will be considered for funding in a grant application under this notice is $5,000,000. The minimum amount of assistance for a competitive grant application under this program is $75,000.

All applications must be prepared and submitted in compliance with this NOFA and the Application Guide. The Application Guide contains additional information on the grant program and sources of information for use in preparing applications and copies of the required application forms or requested from RUS.

Applications materials and the Application Guide are available for download through http://www.Grants.gov (under CFDA No. 10.859) and on the RUS Web site at http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric.

Application packages, including required forms, may be also be requested from: Karen Larsen, Management Analyst, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Electric Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1560, Room 5165 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1560. Telephone (202) 720-9545, Fax (202) 690-0717, e-mail: energy.grants@usda.gov.

There are different application requirements for first time applicants and for prior applicants requesting reconsideration. First time applicants are those that did not submit a timely application in response to the December 9, 2002 (67 FR 72904), NOFA. Prior applicants are those that (1) submitted timely and complete applications under the December 9, 2002, NOFA, (2) were not selected for a grant award, and (3) would like to request consideration of their proposal under this notice. First time applicants should follow the directions in this notice and the Application Guide in preparing their applications and narrative proposals. The completed application package should be assembled in the order specified with all pages numbered sequentially or by section.

Prior applicants should follow the special instructions for reconsideration and submit a revised SF Form 424, a letter requesting reconsideration, and any supplemental material by the deadline.

First time applicants must submit the following information for the application to be complete and considered for funding:

Part A. A Completed SF 424, “Application for Federal Assistance.” This form must be signed by a person authorized to submit the proposal on behalf of the applicant. Note: SF 424 has recently been revised to include new required data elements, including a DUNS number. You must submit the revised form. Copies of this form are available in the application package available on line through RUS or through Grants.gov, through the Office of Management and Budget at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html , or by request from the Agency contact listed above.

Part B. Grant Proposal. The grant proposal is a narrative description prepared by the applicant that establishes the applicant's eligibility, identifies the eligible extremely high energy cost communities to be served by the grant, and describes the proposed grant project, the potential benefits of the project, and a proposed budget. The grant proposal should contain the following sections in the order indicated.

1. Executive Summary. The Executive Summary is a one to two page narrative summary that: (a) Identifies the applicant, project title, and the key contact person with telephone and fax numbers, mailing address and e-mail address; (b) specifies the amount of grant funds requested; (c) provides a brief description of the proposed program including the eligible rural communities and residents to be served, activities and facilities to be financed, and how the grant project will offset or reduce the target community's extremely high energy costs; and (d) identifies the associated rural development initiative that the project supports. The Executive Summary should also indicate whether the applicant is claiming additional points under any of the criteria designated as USDA priorities under this NOFA.

2. Table of Contents. The application package must include a table of contents immediately after the Executive Summary with page numbers for all required sections, forms, and appendices.

3. Applicant Eligibility. This section includes a narrative statement that identifies the applicant and supporting evidence establishing that the applicant has or will have the legal authority to enter into a financial assistance relationship with the Federal Government. Examples of supporting evidence of applicant's legal existence and eligibility include: a reference to or copy of the relevant statute, regulation, executive order, or legal opinion authorizing a State, local, or tribal government program, articles of incorporation or certificates of incorporation for corporate applicants, partnership or trust agreements, board resolutions. Applicants must also be free of any debarment or other restriction on their ability to contract with the Federal Government.

4. Community Eligibility. This section provides a narrative description of the community or communities to be served by the grant and supporting information to establish eligibility. The narrative must show that the proposed grant project's target area or areas are located in one or more communities where the average residential energy costs exceed one or more of the benchmark criteria for extremely high energy costs as described in this NOFA. The narrative should clearly identify the location and population of the areas to be aided by the grant project and their energy costs and the population of the local government division in which they are located. Local energy providers and sources of high energy cost data and estimates should be clearly identified. Neither the applicant nor the project must be physically located in the extremely high energy cost community, but the funded project must serve an eligible community.

The population estimates should be based on the results of the 2000 Census available from the U.S. Census Bureau. Additional information and exhibits supporting eligibility may include maps, summary tables, and references to statistical information from the U.S. Census, the Energy Information Administration, other Federal and State agencies, or private sources. The Application Guide includes additional information and sources that the applicant may find useful in establishing community eligibility.

5. Coordination with State Rural Development Initiatives. In this section the applicant must describe how the proposed grant will be coordinated with rural development efforts. The Applicant should provide supporting references or documentation.

6. Project Overview. This section includes the applicant's narrative overview of its proposed project. The narrative must address the following:

a. Project Design: This section must provide a narrative description of the project including a proposed scope of work identifying major tasks and proposed schedules for task completion, a detailed description of the equipment, facilities and associated activities to be financed with grant funds, the location of the eligible extremely high energy cost communities to be served, and an estimate of the overall duration of the project. The Project Design description should be sufficiently detailed to support a finding of technical feasibility. Proposed projects involving construction, repair, replacement, or improvement of electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities must generally be consistent with the standards and requirements for projects financed with RUS loans and loan guarantees as set forth in RUS Electric Program Regulations and Bulletins and may reference these requirements.

b. Project Management: This section must provide a narrative describing the applicant's capabilities and project management plans. The description should address the applicant's organizational structure, method of funding, legal authority, key personnel, project management experience, staff resources, the goals and objectives of the program or business, and any related services provided to the project beneficiaries. A current financial statement and other supporting documentation may be referenced here and included under the Supplementary Material section. If the applicant proposes to use affiliated entities, contractors, or subcontractors to provide services funded under the grant, the applicant must describe the identities, relationship, qualifications, and experience of these affiliated entities. The experience and capabilities of these entities will be reviewed by the rating panel. If the applicant proposes to secure equipment, design, construction, or other services from non-affiliated entities, the applicant must briefly describe how it plans to procure and/or contract for such equipment or services. The Applicant should provide information that will support a finding that the combination of management team's experience, resources and project structure will enable successful completion of the project.

c. Regulatory and other approvals: The applicant must identify any other regulatory or other approvals required by other Federal, State, local, or tribal agencies, or by private entities as a condition of financing that are necessary to carry out the proposed grant project and its estimated schedule for obtaining the necessary approvals.

d. Benefits of the proposed project. The applicant should describe how the proposed project would benefit the target area and eligible communities. The description must specifically address how the project will improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving the target area. The applicant should clearly identify how the project addresses the energy needs of the community and include appropriate measures of project success such as, for example, expected reductions in household or community energy costs, avoided cost increases, enhanced reliability, or economic or social benefits from improvements in energy services available to the target community. The applicant should include quantitative estimates of cost or energy savings and other benefits. The applicant should provide documentation or references to support its statements about cost-effectiveness savings and improved services. The applicant should also describe how it plans to measure and monitor the effectiveness of the program in delivering its projected benefits.

7. Proposed Project Budget. The applicant must submit a proposed budget for the grant program on SF 424A, “Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs” or SF-424C, “Standard Form for Budget Information-Construction Programs,” as applicable. The budget must document that planned administrative and other expenses of the project sponsor will not total more than 4 percent of grant funds. The applicant must also identify the source and amount of any other contributions of funds or services that will be used to support the proposed project. This program does not require supplemental or matching funds for eligibility, however, RUS will award additional rating points for programs that include a match of other funds or like-kind contributions to support the project.

8. Supplementary Material. The applicant may append any additional information relevant to the proposal or which may qualify the application for extra points under the evaluation criteria described in this NOFA.

Part C. Additional Required Forms and Certifications. In order to establish compliance with other Federal requirements for financial assistance, the Applicant must execute and submit with the initial application the following forms and certifications:

• SF 424B, “Assurances—Non-Construction Programs” or SF 424D, “Assurances—Construction Programs” (as applicable ).

• SF LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.”

• “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matter—Primary Covered Transactions” as required under 7 CFR part 3017, Appendix A. Certifications for individuals, corporations, nonprofit entities, Indian tribes, partnerships.

• Environmental Profile. The environmental profile template included in the Application Guide solicits information about project characteristics and site-specific conditions that may involve environmental, historic preservation, and other resources. The profile will be used by RUS to identify selected projects that may require additional environmental reviews, assessments, or environmental impact statements before a final grant award may be approved. A copy of the environmental profile and instructions for completion are included in the Application Guide and may be downloaded from the RUS website.

Prior applicants that wish to request reconsideration of their application packages in this round of competitive funding must submit a revised SF 424, including new mandatory data elements (DUNS number, fax number, and email address) along with a brief signed letter request for reconsideration identifying any additional information that they wish to be considered by the rating panel in reviewing their application along with supporting documentation. The required application package will consist of the original signed SF 424, the request for reconsideration, and supporting documents. RUS has maintained prior application materials on file and will add the newly submitted material to the existing applications for review by the rating panel. Because this abbreviated application package differs from the general application package for first time applicants available through Grants.gov, applicants requesting reconsideration should submit their requests directly to RUS by the application deadline and not through Grants.gov.

In addition to the information required to be submitted in the application package, RUS may request that successful grant applicants provide additional information, analyses, forms and certifications as a condition of pre-ward clearance, including any environmental reviews or other reviews or certifications required under USDA and Government-wide assistance regulations. RUS will advise the applicant in writing of any additional information required.

Applicants that are submitting hard or paper copies of their application package directly to RUS must submit one original application package that includes original signatures on all required forms and certifications and two copies. Applications should be submitted on 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Supplemental materials, such as maps, charts, plans, and photographs may exceed this size requirement.

A completed application must contain all required parts in the order indicated in the above section on “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The application package should be paginated either sequentially or by section.

All material submitted by the applicant may be made available to the public in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and USDA's implementing regulations at 7 CFR Part 1.

Applications must be postmarked or delivered to RUS or to grants.gov by March 5, 2004. RUS will begin accepting applications on the date of publication of this NOFA. RUS will accept for review all applications postmarked or delivered to RUS by this deadline. Late applications will not be considered and may be returned to the Applicant.

For the purposes of determining the timeliness of an application RUS will accept the following as a valid postmarks: the date stamped by the United States Postal Service on the outside of the package containing the application delivered by U.S. Mail; the date the package was received by a commercial delivery service as evidenced by the delivery label; the date received via hand delivery to RUS; and the date an electronic application was posted for submission to Grants.gov.

This program is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” as implemented under USDA's regulations at 7 CFR part 3015.

Section 19 of the RE Act provides that no more than 4 percent of the grant funds may be used for the planning and administrative expenses of the grantee.

Applicants that are submitting hard or paper copies of their application package directly to RUS must submit one original application package that includes original signatures on all required forms and certifications and two copies. Applications should be submitted on 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper. Supplemental materials, such as maps, charts, plans, and photographs may exceed this size requirement.

A completed application for first time applicants must contain all required parts in the order indicated in the above section on “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The application package should be paginated either sequentially or by section. Applicants seeking reconsideration should follow the special instructions above.

The completed paper application package and two copies must be delivered to RUS headquarters in Washington, DC using United States Mail, overnight delivery service, or by hand to the following address: Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1560, Room 5165 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1560. Applications should be marked “Attention: High Energy Cost Community Grant Program.” Applicants should be advised that regular mail deliveries to Federal Agencies, especially of oversized packages and envelopes, continue to be delayed because of increased security screening requirements. Applicants may wish to consider using Express Mail or a commercial overnight delivery service instead of regular mail. Applicants wishing to hand deliver or use courier services for delivery should contact the Agency representative in advance to arrange for building access. RUS advises applicants that because of intensified security procedures at government facilities that any electronic media included in an application package may be damaged during security screening. If an applicant wishes to submit such materials, they should contact the agency representative for additional information.

At this time, RUS is not able to accept applications directly online, by email, or fax. Applicants that wish to submit applications electronically must do so through the Federal web portal at http://www.Grants.gov . Applicants wishing to submit electronic applications through the new government-wide grants portal Grants.gov must follow the application procedures and submission requirements detailed on that Web site at http://www.Grants.gov . RUS will accept electronic applications through Grants.gov only. Applicants that elect this option will receive electronic confirmation that their applications have been received.

Applicants should be aware that Grants.gov requires that applicants complete several preliminary registrations and e-authentication requirements before being allowed to submit applications electronically. Applicants should consult the Grants.gov website and allow ample time to complete the steps required for registration before submitting their applications. Applicants may download application materials and complete forms online through Grants.gov without completing the registration requirements.

Eligible applicants may submit only one application per project. Multiple tasks and localities may be included in a single proposed grant project. No more than $5 million in grant funds will be awarded per project. Applicants may, however, submit applications for more than one project.

All applications for grants must be delivered to RUS at the address listed above or postmarked no later than March 5, 2004 to be eligible for grant funding. After the deadline has passed, RUS will review each application to determine whether it is complete and meets all of the eligibility requirements described in this NOFA.

After the application closing date, RUS will not consider any unsolicited information from the applicant. RUS may contact the applicant for additional information or to clarify statements in the application required to establish applicant or community eligibility and completeness. Only applications that are complete and meet the eligibility criteria will be considered. RUS will not accept or solicit any additional information relating to the technical merits and/or economic feasibility of the grant proposal after the application closing date.

RUS may establish one or more rating panels to review and rate the grant applications. These panels may include persons not currently employed by USDA.

The panel will evaluate and rate all complete applications that meet the eligibility requirements using the selection criteria and weights described in this NOFA. As part of the proposal review and ranking process, panel members may make comments and recommendations for appropriate conditions on grant awards to promote successful performance of the grant or to assure compliance with other Federal requirements. The decision to include panel recommendations on grant conditions in any grant award will be at the sole discretion of the Administrator.

All applications will be scored and ranked according to the evaluation criteria and weightings described in this Notice, which are identical to those used in the December 2002 [67 FR 72904], NOFA. For this reason, prior applicants that are being reconsidered will retain their prior rating scores, however, the rating panel may revise the score upward based on any updated information submitted by the applicant.

RUS will use the ratings and recommendations of the panel(s) to rank applicants against other applicants. All applicants will be ranked according to their scores in this round. The rankings and recommendations will then be forwarded to the Administrator for final review and selection.

Decisions on grant awards will be made by the RUS Administrator based on the application, and the rankings and recommendations of the rating panel. The Administrator will fund grant requests in rank order to the extent of available funds

RUS will use the selection criteria described in this NOFA to evaluate and rate applications and will award points up to the maximum number indicated under each criterion. Applicants should carefully read the information on the rating criteria in this NOFA and the Application Guide and address all criteria. The maximum number of points that can be awarded is 100 points. RUS will award up to 65 points for project design and technical merit criteria and up to 35 points based on priority criteria for project or community characteristics that support USDA Rural Development and RUS program priorities.

Reviewers will consider the soundness of applicant's approach, the technical feasibility of the project, the adequacy of financial and other resources, the competence and experience of the applicant and its team, the project goals and objectives, and community needs and benefits. A total of 65 points may be awarded under these criteria.

A. Comprehensiveness and feasibility of approach. (Up to 30 points) Raters will assess the technical and economic feasibility of the project and how well its goals and objectives address the challenges of the extremely high energy cost community. The panel will review the proposed design, construction, equipment, and materials for the community energy facilities in establishing technical feasibility. Reviewers may propose additional conditions on the grant award to assure that the project is technically sound. Reviewers will consider the adequacy of the applicant's budget and resources to carry out the project as proposed. Reviewers will also evaluate how the applicant proposes to manage available resources such as grant funds, income generated from the facilities, and any other financing sources to maintain and operate a financially viable project once the grant period has ended.

B. Demonstrated experience. (Up to 10 points) Reviewers will consider whether the applicant and its project team have demonstrated experience in successfully administering and carrying out projects that are comparable to that proposed in the grant application. RUS supports and encourages emerging organizations that desire to develop the internal capacity to improve energy services in rural communities. In evaluating the capabilities of entities without extensive experience in carrying out such projects, RUS will consider the experience of the project team and the effectiveness of the program design in compensating for lack of extensive experience.

C. Community Needs. (Up to 15 points) Reviewers will consider the applicant's identification and documentation of eligible communities, their populations, and the applicant's assessment of community energy needs to be addressed by the grant project. Information on the severity of physical and economic challenges affecting eligible communities will be considered. Reviewers will weigh: (1) The applicant's analysis of community energy challenges and (2) why the applicant's proposal presents a greater need for Federal assistance than other competing applications. In assessing the applicant's demonstration of community needs, the rating panel will consider information in the narrative proposal addressing:

(a) the burden placed on the community and individual households by extremely high energy costs as evidenced by such quantitative measures as, for example, total energy expenditures, per unit energy costs, energy cost intensity for occupied space, or energy costs as a share of average household income, and persistence of extremely high energy costs compared to national or statewide averages.

(b) the hardships created by limited access to reliable and affordable energy services; and

(c) the availability of other resources to support or supplement the proposed grant funding.

D. Project Evaluation Methods. (Up to 5 points) Reviewers will consider the applicant's plan to evaluate and report on the success and cost-effectiveness of financed activities and whether the results obtained will contribute to program improvements for the applicant or for other entities interested in similar programs.

E. Coordination with Rural Development Initiatives. (Up to 5 points) Raters will assess how effectively the proposed project is coordinated with State rural development initiatives and is consistent with and supports these efforts. RUS will consider the documentation for coordination efforts, community support, and State or local government recommendations. Applicants should identify the extent to which the project is dependent on or tied to other rural development initiatives, funding, and approvals.

In addition to the points awarded for project design and technical merit, all proposals will be reviewed and awarded additional points based on certain characteristics of the project or the target community. USDA Rural Development policies generally encourage agencies to give priority in their programs to rural areas of greatest need and to support other Federal policy initiatives. In furtherance of these policies, RUS will award additional points to smaller communities and areas experiencing economic hardship, persistent poverty, or where community energy services are inadequate or the facilities present an imminent hazard to public health or safety. Priority points will also be awarded for proposals that include cost sharing, or that serve a Federally designated Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community (EZ/EC) or a USDA Champion Community. A maximum of 35 total points may be awarded under priority criteria.

1. Economic Hardship. (Up to 10 points) The community experiences one or more economic hardship conditions that impair the ability of the community and/or its residents to provide basic energy services or to reduce or limit the costs of these services. Economic hardship will be assessed using either the objective measure of county median income under A below or subjectively under B based on the Applicant's description of the community's economic hardships and supporting materials. Applicants may elect either measure, but not both.

A. Economically Distressed Communities. (up to 10 points) The target community is an economically distressed county where the median household income is significantly below the State average. Points will be awarded based on the county percentage of State median household income (or reservation percentage of State median household income in the case of Federally-cognized Indian reservations) according to the following:

(1) Less than 70 percent of the State median household income—10 points;

(2) 70 to 80 percent of the State median household income—8 points;

(3) 80 to 90 percent of the State median household income—5 points;

(4) 90 to 95 percent of the State median household income—2 points; or

(5) Over 95 percent of the State median household income—0 points.

Information on State and county median income is available online from the USDA Economic Research Service at http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/unemployment/ . Information on Indian reservations is available through the U.S. Census at http://www.census.gov .

B. Other Economic Hardship. (up to 10 points) The community suffers from other conditions creating a severe economic hardship that is adequately described and documented by the Applicant. Examples include but are not limited to natural disasters, financially distressed local industry, loss of major local employer, outmigration, or other condition adversely affecting the local economy, or contributing to unserved or underserved energy infrastructure needs that affect the economic health of the community.

2. Persistent Poverty Community. (3 points) Persistent poverty counties are those where poverty continues to be a long-term problem. The Economic Research Service (ERS) of USDA has defined a persistent poverty county as a nonmetropolitan county in which more than 20 percent of the population falls below the poverty level in each of the last 4 census years. ERS has made a preliminary identification of over 300 nonmetropolitan counties in which more than 20 percent of the population was below the poverty level in 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000. A list of the ERS persistent poverty counties can be found in the online Application Guide or requested from the agency contact. In support of USDA policy, raters will award 3 points to any proposal in which the target area or project is located in a persistent poverty county.

3. Rurality. (Up to 12 points) Consistent with the USDA Rural Development policy to target resources to rural communities with significant needs and recognizing that smaller communities are often comparatively disadvantaged in seeking assistance, RUS reviewers will award additional points based on the rurality (as measured by population) of the target communities to be served with grant funds. Applications will be scored based on the population of the largest incorporated cities, towns, or villages, or census designated places included within the grant's proposed target area.

If the largest target community within the proposed target area has a population of:

(A) 2,500 or less—12 points;

(B) Between 2,501 and 5,000, inclusive 10 points;

(C) Between 5,001 and 10,000, inclusive 8 points;

(D) Between 10,001 and 15,000, inclusive 5 points;

(E) Between 15, 001 and 20,000, inclusive 2 points;

(F) Above 20,000, 0 points.

Applicants must use the latest available population figures from Census 2000 available at <http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html> for every incorporated city, town, or village, or Census designated place included in the target area.

4. Unserved Energy Needs (2 points) Consistent with the purposes of the RE Act, projects that meet unserved or underserved energy needs will be eligible for 2 points. Examples of proposals that may qualify under this priority include projects that extend or improve electric or other energy services to communities and customers that do not have reliable centralized or commercial service or where many homes remain without such service because the costs are unaffordable.

5. Imminent hazard (2 points) If the grant proposal involves a project to correct a condition posing an imminent hazard to public safety, welfare, the environment, or to a critical community or residential energy facility, raters may award 2 points. Examples include community energy facilities in immediate danger of failure because of deteriorated condition, capacity limitations, damage from natural disasters or accidents, or other conditions where failure would create a substantial threat to public health or safety, or to the environment.

6. Cost Sharing (2 points) This grant program does not require any cost contribution. In addition to their assessment of the economic feasibility and sustainability of the project under the project evaluation factors above, raters may award 2 points for cost sharing. These points will be awarded when the proposal documents that supplemental contributions of funds, property, equipment, services, or other in kind contributions that support the project and demonstrate the applicant's and/or community's commitment to the project exceed 10 percent of project costs.

7. Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community (EC/EZ) or Champion Community ( up to 4 points) If the proposed project serves at least one community that is a Federally-identified Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community (EC/EZ Community), 4 points will be awarded. The list of currently approved EC/EZ communities may be found at the EZ/EC Web site at: http://www.ezec.gov or may be requested from the agency contact.

If the proposed project serves at least one community that is a USDA identified “Champion Community,” 2 points will be awarded. The list of currently approved USDA champion communities may be found at the EZ/EC Web site at: http://www.ezec.gov or may be requested from the agency contact.

Following the evaluation and rating of individual applications under the above criteria, the rating panels will rank the applications in order according to their total scores. The scored and ranked applications and the raters' comments will then be forwarded to the Administrator for review and selection of grant awards.

The RUS Administrator will review the rankings and recommendations of the applications provided by the rating panels for consistency with the requirements of this NOFA. The Administrator may return any application to the rating panel with written instruction for reconsideration if, in her sole discretion, she finds that the scoring of an application is inconsistent with this NOFA and the directions provided to the rating panel.

Following any adjustments to the project rankings as a result of reconsideration, the Administrator will select projects for funding in rank order. If funds remain after funding the highest ranking application, RUS may fund all or part of the next highest ranking application. RUS will advise an applicant if it cannot fully fund a grant request.

The Administrator may decide based on the recommendations of the rating panel or in her sole discretion that a grant award may be made fully or partially contingent upon the applicant satisfying certain conditions or providing additional information and analyses. For example, RUS may defer approving a final award to a selected project—such as projects requiring more extensive environmental review and mitigation, preparation of detailed site specific engineering studies and designs, or requiring local permitting, or availability of supplemental financing—until any additional conditions are satisfied. In the event that a selected applicant fails to comply with the additional conditions within the time set by RUS, the selection will be vacated and the next ranking project will be considered.

If a selected applicant turns down a grant award offer, or fails to conclude a grant agreement acceptable to RUS, or to provide required information requested by RUS within the time period established in the notification of selection for grant award, the RUS Administrator may select for funding the next highest ranking application submitted in response to this NOFA. If funds remain after all selections have been made, remaining funds will be carried over and made available in future awards under the High Energy Cost Grant Programs.

RUS will notify each Applicant in writing whether or not it has been selected for an award. RUS's written notice to a successful applicant of the amount of the grant award based on the approved application will constitute RUS's preliminary approval, subject to compliance with all post-selection requirements including but not limited to completion of any environmental reviews and negotiation and execution of a grant agreement satisfactory to RUS. Preliminary approval does not bind the Government to making a final grant award. Only a final grant award and agreement executed by the Administrator will constitute a binding obligation and commitment of Federal funds. Funds will not be awarded or disbursed until all requirements have been satisfied. RUS will advise selected applicants of additional requirements or conditions.

RUS reserves the right to fund less than the full amount requested in a grant application to ensure the fair distribution of the funds and to ensure that the purposes of a specific program are met. RUS will not fund any portion of a grant request that is not eligible for funding under Federal statutory or regulatory requirements; that does not meet the requirements of this NOFA, or that may duplicate other RUS funded activities, including electric loans. Only the eligible portions of a successful grant application will be funded.

Grant assistance cannot exceed the lower of:

(a) The qualifying percentage of eligible project costs requested by the Applicant; or

(b) The minimum amount sufficient to provide for the economic feasibility of the project as determined by RUS.

RUS will notify all applicants in writing whether they have been selected for an award. Successful applicants will be advised in writing of their selection as award finalists. Successful applicants will be required to negotiate a grant agreement acceptable to RUS and complete additional grant forms and certifications required by USDA as part of the pre-award process.

Depending on the nature of the activities proposed by the application, the grantee may be asked to provide information and certifications necessary for compliance with RUS environmental policy regulations and procedures at 7 CFR 1794. Following completion of the environmental review, selected applicants will receive a letter of conditions establishing any project- specific conditions to be included in the grant agreement and asked to execute a letter of intent to meet the grant conditions or to detail why such conditions can't be met and to propose alternatives. Grant funds will not be advanced unless and until the applicant has executed a grant agreement acceptable to RUS.

RUS will require each successful applicant to agree to the specific terms of each grant agreement, a project budget, and other RUS requirements. In cases where RUS cannot successfully conclude negotiations with a selected applicant or a selected applicant fails to provide RUS with requested information within the time specified, an award will not be made to that applicant. The selection will be revoked and RUS may offer an award to the next highest ranking applicant, and proceed with negotiations with the next highest ranking applicant.

Grant awards are required to comply with 7 CFR part 1794, which sets forth RUS regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Grantees must also agree to comply with any other Federal or State environmental laws and regulations applicable to the grant project.

If the proposed grant project involves physical development activities or property acquisition, the Applicant is generally prohibited from acquiring, rehabilitating, converting, leasing, repairing or constructing property, or committing or expending RUS or non-RUS funds for proposed grant activities until RUS has completed any environmental review in accordance with 7 CFR part 1794 or determined that no environmental review is required. Successful applicants will be advised whether additional environmental review and requirements apply to their proposals.

Other Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications and to grant awards. These include, but are not limited to, requirements under 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.

Certain OMB circulars also apply to USDA grant programs and must be followed by a grantee under this program. The policies, guidance, and requirements of the following, or their successors, may apply to the award, acceptance and use of assistance under this program and to the remedies for noncompliance, except when inconsistent with the provisions of the Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts, other Federal statutes or the provisions of this NOFA:

• OMB Circular No. A-87 (Cost Principles Applicable to Grants, Contracts and Other Agreements with State and Local Governments);

• OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Education Institutions);

• OMB Circular No. A-122 (Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations);

• OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations);

• 7 CFR part 3015 (Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations);

• 7 CFR part 3016 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally recognized Indian tribal governments);

• 7 CFR part 3017 (Governmentwide debarment and suspension (non-procurement) 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 Non-Profit Organizations); and

• 7 CFR part 3052 (Audits of States, local governments, and non-profit organizations).

Compliance with additional OMB Circulars or government-wide regulations may be specified in the grant agreement.

The grantee will be required to provide periodic financial and performance reports under USDA grant regulations and RUS rules and to submit a final project performance report. The nature and frequency of required reports are established in USDA grant regulations and the project-specific grant agreements.

The Agency Contact for this grant announcement is Karen Larsen, Management Analyst, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Electric Program, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1560, Room 5165 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1560. Telephone (202) 720-9545, Fax 202-690-0717, e-mail mail to: Karen.Larsen@usda.gov.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), RUS invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These requirements are pending emergency clearance by OMB.

Comments on this notice must be received by March 23, 2004.

Comments are invited on (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumption 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 technology.

Comments may be sent to Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Stop 1522, Room 5168 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Comments may also be submitted via e-mail to RUSComments@usda.gov and must contain the phrase “High Energy Information Collection” in the subject line.

Title: Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities.

Type of Request: New collection.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 7 hours per response.

Respondents: For profit and not-for-profit entities; State, Local or Tribal Governments.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 514 hours.

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Michele Brooks, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 690-1078.

All responses to this information collection and recordkeeping notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C 47(a)(2) and 41 CFR 51-2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions. If the Committee approves the proposed additions, the entities of the Federal Government identified in the notice for each product or service will be required to procure the services listed below from nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were:

1. If approved, the action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the services to the Government.

2. If approved, the action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the services to the Government.

3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the services proposed for addition to the Procurement List. Comments on this certification are invited. Commenters should identify the statement(s) underlying the certification on which they are providing additional information.

The following services are proposed for addition to Procurement List for production by the nonprofit agency listed:

Title 13, United States Code, sections 182, 195, 224, and 225 authorize the Census Bureau to undertake surveys necessary to furnish current data on the subjects covered by the major censuses. This survey will provide continuing and timely national statistical data for the period between economic censuses. The next economic censuses will be conducted for the year 2007. The data collected in this survey will be within the general scope, type, and character of those that are covered in the economic censuses. Form NC-99001 will be used to collect the desired data.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a current, valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C., chapter 35, the OMB approved Form NC-99001 on October 9, 2003, under OMB Control Number 0607-0444. We will furnish report forms to organizations included in the survey, and additional copies will be available upon written request to the Director, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233-0101.

I have, therefore, directed that the 2003 Company Organization Survey be conducted for the purpose of collecting these data.

The Department published the countervailing duty (“CVD”) order on carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Canada on October 22, 2002. See Notice of Countervailing Duty Orders: Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Brazil and Canada , 67 FR 64871 (October 22, 2002). On October 1, 2003, the Department received a request from Georgetown Steel Company (formerly GS Industries), Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc. (formerly Co-Steel Raritan), Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., and North Star Steel Texas, Inc., the petitioners in the original investigation, that the Department initiate a changed circumstances review for purposes of revoking the CVD order. The basis for the petitioners' request is that they are no longer interested in maintaining the CVD order or in the imposition of CVD duties on the subject merchandise from Canada.

On November 3, 2003, the Department published a notice of initiation of a changed circumstances review of the CVD order on carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod products from Canada. See Initiation Notice , 68 FR 62282. In the Initiation Notice , we provided interested parties an opportunity to submit comments for consideration in the Department's preliminary results. The Department did not receive any comments within the time limits established. On November 18, 2003, a respondent to the original proceeding, Ispat Sidbec, Inc. (“Ispat”), submitted a letter to the Department stating that “all three parties wish to advise the Department that they agree to the outcome of the review and, further, request that, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.216(e), the Department render its final results of review within 45 days of initiation of the review or sooner.” Ispat claimed its letter represented the position of the only parties to the proceeding, namely, Ispat, the Government of Quebec, and the U.S. producers that filed the original petition.

On December 12, 2003, the Department published the Preliminary Results of the changed circumstances review. In the Preliminary Results , we afforded interested parties an opportunity to submit comments for consideration in the Department's Final Results . We did not receive any comments following the publication of the Preliminary Results .

The merchandise covered by this order is certain hot-rolled products of carbon steel and alloy steel, in coils, of approximately round cross section, 5.00 mm or more, but less than 19.00 mm, in solid cross-sectional diameter. 1

Specifically excluded are steel products possessing the above-noted physical characteristics and meeting the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) definitions for (a) stainless steel; (b) tool steel; (c) high nickel steel; (d) ball bearing steel; and (e) concrete reinforcing bars and rods. Also excluded are (f) free machining steel products ( i.e. , products that contain by weight one or more of the following elements: 0.03 percent or more of lead, 0.05 percent or more of bismuth, 0.08 percent or more of sulfur, more than 0.04 percent of phosphorus, more than 0.05 percent of selenium, or more than 0.01 percent of tellurium).

Also excluded from the scope are 1080 grade tire cord quality wire rod and 1080 grade tire bead quality wire rod. Grade 1080 tire cord quality rod is defined as: (i) Grade 1080 tire cord quality wire rod measuring 5.0 mm or more but not more than 6.0 mm in cross-sectional diameter; (ii) with an average partial decarburization of no more than 70 microns in depth (maximum individual 200 microns); (iii) having no inclusions greater than 20 microns; (iv) having a carbon segregation per heat average of 3.0 or better using European Method NFA 04-114; (v) having a surface quality with no surface defects of a length greater than 0.15 mm; (vi) capable of being drawn to a diameter of 0.30 mm or less with 3 or fewer breaks per ton, and (vii) containing by weight the following elements in the proportions shown: (1) 0.78 percent or more of carbon, (2) less than 0.01 percent of aluminum, (3) 0.040 percent or less, in the aggregate, of phosphorus and sulfur, (4) 0.006 percent or less of nitrogen, and (5) not more than 0.15 percent, in the aggregate, of copper, nickel and chromium.

Grade 1080 tire bead quality rod is defined as: (i) Grade 1080 tire bead quality wire rod measuring 5.5 mm or more but not more than 7.0 mm in cross-sectional diameter; (ii) with an average partial decarburization of no more than 70 microns in depth (maximum individual 200 microns); (iii) having no inclusions greater than 20 microns; (iv) having a carbon segregation per heat average of 3.0 or better using European Method NFA 04-114; (v) having a surface quality with no surface defects of a length greater than 0.2 mm; (vi) capable of being drawn to a diameter of 0.78 mm or larger with 0.5 or fewer breaks per ton; and (vii) containing by weight the following elements in the proportions shown: (1) 0.78 percent or more of carbon, (2) less than 0.01 percent of soluble aluminum, (3) 0.040 percent or less, in the aggregate, of phosphorus and sulfur, (4) 0.008 percent or less of nitrogen, and (5) either not more than 0.15 percent, in the aggregate, of copper, nickel and chromium (if chromium is not specified), or not more than 0.10 percent in the aggregate of copper and nickel and a chromium content of 0.24 to 0.30 percent (if chromium is specified).

The designation of the products as “tire cord quality” or “tire bead quality” indicates the acceptability of the product for use in the production of tire cord, tire bead, or wire for use in other rubber reinforcement applications such as hose wire. These quality designations are presumed to indicate that these products are being used in tire cord, tire bead, and other rubber reinforcement applications, and such merchandise intended for the tire cord, tire bead, or other rubber reinforcement applications is not included in the scope. However, should petitioners or other interested parties provide a reasonable basis to believe or suspect that there exists a pattern of importation of such products for other than those applications, end-use certification for the importation of such products may be required. Under such circumstances, only the importers of record would normally be required to certify the end use of the imported merchandise.

All products meeting the physical description of subject merchandise that are not specifically excluded are included in this scope.

The products under investigation are currently classifiable under subheadings 7213.91.3010, 7213.91.3090, 7213.91.4510, 7213.91.4590, 7213.91.6010, 7213.91.6090, 7213.99.0031, 7213.99.0038, 7213.99.0090, 7227.20.0010, 7227.20.0020, 7227.20.0090, 7227.20.0095, 7227.90.6051, 7227.90.6053, 7227.90.6058, and 7227.90.6059 of the HTSUS. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of this proceeding is dispositive.

Pursuant to section 751(d)(1) of the 1930 Tariff Act, as amended (the “Act”), and 19 CFR 351.222(g), the Department may revoke an antidumping or CVD order, in whole or in part, based on a review under section 751(b) of the Act ( i.e. , a changed circumstances review). Section 751(b)(1) of the Act requires a changed circumstances review to be conducted upon receipt of a request that shows changed circumstances sufficient to warrant a review. Section 782(h)(1) of the Act gives the Department the authority to revoke an order if producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product have expressed a lack of interest in the continuation of the order. Section 351.222(g) of the Department's regulations provides that the Department will conduct a changed circumstances administrative review under 19 CFR 351.216, and may revoke an order (in whole or in part), if it concludes that (i) producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product to which the order pertains have expressed a lack of interest in the relief provided by the order, in whole or in part, or (ii) if other changed circumstances sufficient to warrant revocation exist. The Department has interpreted “substantially all” production normally to mean at least 85 percent of domestic production of the like product. See Certain Tin Mill Products From Japan: Final Results of Changed Circumstances Review , 66 FR 52109 (October 12, 2001); see also , 19 CFR 351.208(c).

As noted above and in the Preliminary Results , the petitioners requested this changed circumstances review on the basis that they are no longer interested in maintaining the CVD order or in the imposition of CVD duties on the subject merchandise. Because the Department did not receive any comments in response to the Initiation Notice or the Preliminary Results opposing this changed circumstances review or the decision to revoke the CVD order, in whole, we find that producers accounting for substantially all of the production of the domestic like product to which this order pertains, lack interest in the relief provided by the order. In accordance with sections 751(b), 751(d), and 782(h) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.216, the Department determines that there is a reasonable basis to believe that changed circumstances exist sufficient to warrant revocation of the order. Therefore, the Department is revoking the order on carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Canada, in whole, with regard to the products described above under the “Scope of the Order” section.

In accordance with 19 CFR 351.222, the Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) to liquidate without regard to applicable countervailing duties, and refund any estimated countervailing duties collected on, all unliquidated entries of the merchandise subject to the order, as described above under the “Scope of the Order” section, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after February 8, 2002, i.e. , the publication date of the Department's preliminary determination ( see Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination: Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Canada , 67 FR 5984). In accordance with section 778 of the Act, we will also instruct CBP to pay interest on such refunds with respect to the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after October 22, 2002, the date of publication in the Federal Register of the CVD order.

The Department will issue appropriate assessment instructions directly to CBP within 15 days of publication of these final results of review.

This notice also serves as a reminder to parties subject to administrative protective orders (APOs) of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.306. Timely written notification of the return/destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation.

We are issuing and publishing this determination and notice in accordance with sections 751(b)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act and sections 351.216, 351.221, and 351.222 of the Department's regulations.

On October 14, 2003, notice was published in the Federal Register (68 FR 59163) that a request for a scientific research permit to take loggerhead, leatherback, Kemp's ridley, green, and hawksbill sea turtles had been submitted by the above-named organization. The requested permit has been issued under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ) and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).

The applicant will handle, measure, flipper tag, scan for Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags, biopsy sample and photograph a total of 1,500 loggerhead, 50 green, 250 leatherback and 50 hawksbill sea turtles and handle, measure, flipper tag, scan for PIT tags and photograph a total of 50 Kemp's ridley sea turtles over the duration of the permit. Seventy-five of the loggerheads and 20 of the Kemp's ridleys will also be dip-netted. This research will be conducted on animals that have been already incidentally captured in commercial fisheries operating in state waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. The purpose of the research is to determine the size and composition of populations of sea turtles found in the commercial fishing areas of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and to establish individual identities of turtles which will permit subsequent determination of growth rates, possible stock origins and movement patterns. The research will contribute to the understanding of the pelagic ecology of these species, permit more complete models of their population dynamics, and allow more reliable assessments of commercial fishery impacts.

Issuance of this permit, as required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permit (1) was applied for in good faith, (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of the endangered species which is the subject of this permit, and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA.

On December 24, 2003, as provided for under paragraph 242 of the Report of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the World Trade Organization (Accession Agreement), the United States requested consultations with the Government of the People's Republic of China with respect to imports of Chinese origin products in Categories 222, 349/649 and 350/650. Through a letter published on December 29, 2003, the Chairman of CITA directed the Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to establish a twelve-month limit on these products, beginning on December 24, 2003, and extending through December 23, 2004. 68 FR 74944, 74945, and 74947. At the same time, the Chairman of CITA directed the Commissioner to require that shipments of these products be accompanied by an export visa and Electronic Visa Information System (ELVIS) transmission issued by the Government of the People's Republic of China; this requirement did not apply to shipments exported prior to January 23, 2004. During consultations, the Government of the People's Republic of China objected to the requirement that shipments of these products be accompanied by an export visa and ELVIS transmission. Therefore, effective on January 23, 2004, the United States is rescinding the visa and ELVIS requirements for products in these categories; the quota limits remain in effect. CITA will revisit this issue if the situation warrants.

A description of the textile and apparel categories in terms of HTS numbers is available in the CORRELATION: Textile and Apparel Categories with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (see Federal Register notice 68 FR 1599, published on January 13, 2003). Information regarding the availability of the 2004 CORRELATION will be published in the Federal Register at a later date. Also see 62 FR 15465, published on April 1, 1997.

Pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement, the existing export visa and folklore certification requirements are being canceled for textile products no longer subject to restrictions or consultations levels which are exported from Mexico on and after January 1, 2004.

A description of the textile and apparel categories in terms of HTS numbers is available in the CORRELATION: Textile and Apparel Categories with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (see Federal Register notice 68 FR 1599, published on January 13, 2003). Information regarding the availability of the 2004 CORRELATION will be published in the Federal Register at a later date. Also see 58 FR 69350, published on December 30, 1993.