[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30760-30766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-14197]



      

[[Page 30759]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part VIII





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________



Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service



_______________________________________________________________________



Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 1995 / 
Notices   
[[Page 30760]] 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Agricultural Telecommunications Program

AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 
Department of Agriculture.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUBJECT: Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1995; 
Request for Proposals; Application Guidelines.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Barbara A. White, 202-720-3029 for program information, or Margaret 
Bell, Cooperative Funds Division, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service, USDA, 202-401-4314, for fiscal or 
budget information.

Program Description

(a) Purpose

    Proposals are requested for the purpose of awarding competitive 
grants for fiscal year 1995 under the Agricultural Telecommunications 
Program. Grants will be awarded to eligible institutions to assist in 
development and utilization of an agricultural communications network 
to facilitate and to strengthen agricultural extension, resident 
education and research, and domestic and international marketing of 
United States commodities and products through a partnership between 
eligible institutions and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 
The network will employ satellite and other telecommunications 
technology to disseminate and to share academic instruction, 
cooperative extension programming, agricultural research, and marketing 
information. The authority for this program is contained in section 
1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, 
Pub. L. 101-624. The program is administered by the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) of USDA.

(b) Available Funding

    For fiscal year 1995, $1.221 million is available for the program. 
Grants under this program may provide funds for no more than 50 percent 
(50%) of the cost of a propose project, unless otherwise determined by 
the Secretary. For the purpose of determining the non-Federal share of 
such costs, consideration will be given to contributions in cash and 
in-kind, fairly evaluated, including, but not limited to premises, 
equipment and services.

(c) Eligibility

    Proposals are invited from accredited institutions of higher 
education. Applicants must demonstrate that they participate in a 
network that distributes programs consistent with the following 
objectives: (1) Make optimal use of available resources for 
agricultural extension, resident education, and research by sharing 
resources between participating institutions; (2) improve the 
competitive position of United States agriculture in international 
markets by disseminating information to producers, processors, and 
researchers; (3) train students for careers in agriculture and food 
industries; (4) facilitate interaction among leading agricultural 
scientists; (5) enhance the ability of United States agriculture to 
respond to environmental and food safety concerns; and; (6) identify 
new uses for farm commodities and to increase the demand for United 
States agricultural products in both domestic and foreign markets.
    In addition to the above, an applicant must qualify as a 
responsible applicant in order to be eligible for a grant under the 
program. To qualify as responsible, an applicant must meet the 
following standards:
    (1) Adequate financial resources for performance, the necessary 
experience, organizational and technical qualifications, and 
facilities, or a firm commitment, arrangement, or ability to obtain the 
same (including any to be obtained through sub-agreement(s)/
contract(s));
    (2) Ability to comply with the proposed or required completion 
schedule for the project;
    (3) Adequate financial management system and audit procedures that 
provide efficient and effective accountability and control of all 
funds, property, and other assets;
    (4) Satisfactory record of integrity, judgment, and performance, 
including, in particular, any prior performance under grants and 
contracts from the Federal Government; and
    (5) Otherwise be qualified and eligible to receive Federal 
assistance under the applicable laws and regulations.

(d) Definitions

    For the purpose of awarding funding under this program, the 
following definitions are applicable:
    (1) ``Administrative costs'' means the total of direct and indirect 
costs as defined in 7 CFR part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance 
Regulations, related to the operation of a project under this program;
    (2) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of CSREES and any 
other officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority to 
issue or modify grant instruments has been delegated.
    (3) ``Agricultural telecommunications'' means those activities 
established to encourage development and utilization of an agricultural 
communications network employing satellite and other telecommunications 
technologies to disseminate and to share academic instruction, 
cooperation extension programming, agricultural research, and marketing 
information;
    (4) ``Awarding official'' means the Administrator, CSREES, or any 
other officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority to 
issue or modify Agricultural Telecommunications grant instruments on 
behalf of the Department has been delegated.
    (5) ``Communications network'' refers to television or cable 
television origination or distribution equipment, signal conversion 
equipment (including both modulators and demodulators), computer 
hardware and software, programs or terminals, or related devices, used 
to process and exchange data through a telecommunications system in 
which signals are generated, modified or prepared for transmission, or 
received, via telecommunications terminal equipment or via 
telecommunications transmission;
    (6) ``Delivery'' means the transmission and reception of programs 
by facilities that transmit, receive, or carry data between 
telecommunications terminal equipment at each end of a 
telecommunications circuit or path;
    (7) ``Facilities'' includes microwave antennae, fiberoptic cables 
and repeaters, coaxial cables, communications satellite ground station 
complexes, copper cable electronic equipment associated with 
telecommunications transmission;
    (8) ``Grant'' means the assistance award by the Administrator to a 
grantee to develop agricultural telecommunications programs utilizing 
an agricultural telecommunications network;
    (9) ``Grantee'' means the entity designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to whom a grant is awarded;
    (10) ``Peer Review Panel'' means a group of appropriate employees 
of the Federal Government qualified to give advice on the merit of 
grant applications submitted under this program;
    (11) ``Project'' means the particular activity within the scope of 
the program [[Page 30761]] as identified herein that is supported by a 
grant under this program;
    (12) ``Project Director'' means the individual who is responsible 
for technical direction of the project, as designated by the grantee in 
the award proposal and approved by the Administrator, CSREES, USDA;
    (13) ``Project Period'' means the total time approved by the 
Administrator for conducting the proposed project as outlined in the 
approved Federal assistance proposal or the approved portions thereof.

Proposal Preparation

(a) Proposal Cover Page

(1) Title of Proposal
    The title of the proposal must be brief (80-charactermaximum) yet 
represent the major thrust of the project.
(2) Other Information
    Include the following information on the proposal cover page:
    (a) Name, address, telephone, fax number, and e-mail address of 
applicant and project director.
    (b) Signatures and date. The cover page must contain the original 
signatures of the Project Director and the Authorized Organizational 
Representative who possesses the necessary authority to commit the 
applicant's time and other relevant resources.
    (c) Project Summary. Each proposal must contain a 200-word abstract 
containing a brief description of the project. The abstract should 
describe the situation, targeted audience, purpose of project, program 
goal, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project.
    (d) Application Category. Each proposal must state the category 
under which funds are requested.

Application Categories

    Applicants may submit proposals in any of the following program 
areas as specified in the authorization: (a) Program Delivery, (b) 
Innovative Program Development/Production, and (c) Capacity Building.

(a) Program Delivery

    Applicants may submit a proposal in the Program Delivery Category 
requesting funding to operate an agricultural communications network, 
employing satellite and other telecommunications technology, to deliver 
Cooperative Extension programming, academic instruction, agricultural 
research and marketing information through partnership(s) between 
eligible institutions and the Department of Agriculture. The project 
goal(s) and objective(s) must be clearly stated in the proposal.

Proposal Narrative

    The narrative portion of the proposal is limited to 20 pages in 
length. No other material will be considered. The narrative should 
contain the following sections:

(1) Project Need

    Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement 
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need, 
goal(s), and supporting objectives.
(2) Audience Description

    Describe targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed 
including pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and 
expected impact on audience.

(3) Partnerships and Collaboration

    Describe partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation.

(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure

    Describe the staff needed for project administration, instructional 
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion. Narrative should demonstrate that the staffing and 
implementation procedure will result in an integrated approach 
involving content specialists, instructional designers, and quality 
production resources, and that the individual staff members proposed 
are qualified to perform these roles. Provide an outline (management 
plan) demonstrating integration.

(5) Project Sustainability

    Projects should not depend on continued funding from this program. 
Each proposal should include convincing evidence of the project's 
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding.

(6) Budget

    A budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget is 
required. Show all funding sources and itemize costs by the following 
line items: salary costs, fringe benefits costs, equipment, materials 
and supplies, travel, publication/printing/duplication costs, computer 
costs, and all other costs. While some funds are available for the 
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission 
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent of 
the funds available may be awarded for that purpose.
    Funds may be requested under any of the line items listed above 
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is 
identified as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is 
allowable under the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal 
cost principles, and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal 
statute. Salaries of project personnel who will be working on the 
project may be requested, but must be in proportion to the effort they 
will devote to the project.
    In addition to the initial required information under Project 
Description (Project Need; Audience Description: Partnerships and 
Collaboration; Staffing Pattern and Procedure; Sustainability and 
Budget), the proposal must define a structure for the technical design 
and development of the delivery system, including:

(7) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies

    Development and employment of alternative distance learning 
technologies including, but not limited to, internet, multimedia, 
audio/visual, and other telecommunications technologies.

(8) Learner and Program Support

    Each proposal should include evidence of learner support including, 
but not limited to, facilitation of access, accommodation for diversity 
in special needs and learning styles, and recognition of need for 
alternative modes of program design and delivery. There should be a 
plan for learner and program support.

(9) Innovation

    Innovative application of distance delivery including, but not 
limited to, approaches in reaching audience; methods of connectivity 
and/or interaction; use of existing resources; and innovations in the 
teaching-learning transaction.

(10) Infrastructure

    Framework representing both the technological and human 
infrastructure including, but not limited to, technical 
troubleshooting, scheduling and operation.

(11) Marketing

    Marketing plan including, but not limited to, rationale for 
promotional effort; logistical considerations; convincing tie to needs 
assessment. [[Page 30762]] 

(12) Cost/Benefit

    The proposal must include a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed 
project, including comparison to other delivery methods, relative 
benefit to learner, and staffing costs versus benefits.

(b) Innovative Program Development/Production

    Applicants submitting an application in the Innovative Program 
Development/Production Category must demonstrate a creative approach to 
distance education programming. Examples might include: Pilot projects 
demonstrating innovative combinations of satellite/video, computer 
networking, audio conferencing, and/or wrap-around plans and materials; 
inclusion of limited resource audiences; match of audience needs/
characteristics to delivery system; and design of evaluation protocol 
for measuring teaching-learning transaction.
    An integrated approach to instructional design should be evident 
including subject-matter content, educational methodology and 
compatible production and delivery techniques.

Project Narrative

    The narrative portion of the proposal must not exceed 20 pages in 
length. No additional material will be considered. The narrative should 
contain the following sections:

(1) Project Need

    Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement 
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need, 
goal(s), and supporting objectives.

(2) Audience Description

    Describe targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed 
including pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and 
expected impact on audience.

(3) Partnerships and Collaboration

    Describe partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation.
(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure

    Describe the staff needs for project administration, instructional 
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion. Narrative should demonstrate that the staffing and 
implementation procedure will result in an integrated approach 
involving content specialists, instructional designers, and quality 
production resources, and that the individual staff members proposed 
are qualified to perform these roles. Provide an outline (management 
plan) demonstrating integration.

(5) Project Sustainability

    Projects should not depend on continued funding from this program. 
Each proposal should include convincing evidence of the project's 
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding.

(6) Budget

    A budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget is 
required. Show all funding sources and itemize costs by the following 
line items: salary costs, firing benefits costs, equipment, materials 
and supplies, travel, publication/printing/duplication costs, computer 
costs, and all other costs. While some funds are available for the 
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission 
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent of 
the funds available may be awarded for that purpose.
    Funds may be requested under any of the line items listed above 
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is 
identified as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is 
allowable under the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal 
statute. Salaries of project personnel who will be working on the 
project may be requested, but must be in proportion to the effort they 
will devote to the project.

(7) Specific Learning Objectives

    Learning objectives should be stated in terms of behavioral changes 
expected to occur in the audience(s) based on participation in the 
program, not in terms of what the program will deliver.

(8) Instructional Methodology/Strategies

    Explain the instructional/educational method or strategy to be 
implemented including appropriateness for audience and learning 
environment. Explanation should demonstrate knowledge of how people 
learn and/or interact in a mediated environment.

(9) Content/Curriculum

    Each proposal should include detailed outline of curriculum to be 
included in the program, including, but not limited to, overview of 
content, learner activities, mechanism for evaluating learning outcome.

(10) Production Techniques

    Provide detailed explanation of production techniques used in 
producing and delivery of program. It should be clear from the 
narrative how subject-matter content, instructional method/strategy, 
and production will be integrated.

(11) On-site Activities

    Innovative design for implementation of on-site or personal 
learning environment (i.e., creative design and implementation plan for 
support materials and enrichment activities for on-site and personal 
learning environments).

(12) Interactivity

    Describe the expected level of interactivity necessary based on 
principles underlying teaching-learning transaction, sound 
instructional design, and mode of delivery used.

(13) Program Evaluation

    Describe both formative and summative design for evaluating success 
in meeting learning objective(s) listed under Project Need. In 
addition, describe strategy for evaluating overall effectiveness of 
program in terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-
solving, immediate application, meeting learner need, and potential for 
replication.

(14) Marketing Plan

    Describe the marketing plan including rationale for promotional 
effort, logistical considerations, and evidence that plan will reach 
intended audience.

(c) Capacity Building

    Proposals in this category should target a specific need in the 
area of distance education. The need may be at the university, regional 
or national level. The proposal must include:
    (1) detailed plan for assessing capability; and
    (2) existing plan for targeting need based on completed assessment.

Project Narrative

    Project narratives should be no more than 20 pages in length. No 
additional materials will be considered. The narrative portion of the 
proposal should contain the following sections:

(1) Project Need

    Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement 
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need, 
goal(s), and supporting objectives. [[Page 30763]] 

(2) Audience Description

    Describe targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed 
including pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and 
expected impact on audience.

(3) Partnerships and Collaboration

    Describe partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation.

(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure

    Describe the staff needed for project administration, instructional 
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion. Narrative should demonstrate that the staffing and 
implementation procedure will result in an integrated approach 
involving content specialists, instructional designers, and quality 
production resources, and that the individual staff members proposed 
are qualified to perform these roles. Provide an outline (management 
plan) demonstrating integration.

(5) Project Sustainability

    Projects should not depend on continued funding from this program. 
Each proposal should include convincing evidence of the project's 
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding.
(6) Budget

    A budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget is 
required. Show all funding sources and itemize costs by the following 
line items: Salary costs, fringe benefits costs, equipment, materials 
and supplies, travel, publication/printing/duplication costs, computer 
costs, and all other costs. While some funds are available for the 
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission 
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent of 
the funds available may be awarded for that purpose.
    Funds may be requested under any of the line items listed above 
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is 
identified as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is 
allowable under the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal 
cost principles, and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal 
statute. Salaries of project personnel who will be working in the 
project may be requested, but must be in proportion to the effort they 
will devote to the project.

(7) Capability Assessment

    Include a detailed assessment of capability or fully developed plan 
for assessing capability. Areas of consideration include, but are not 
limited to, faculty development; support resources; production/
technical capability; delivery capability; building learner capacity.

(8) Project Objectives

    Project objectives should be stated in terms of what the program 
will deliver and should be measurable.

(9) Evaluation

    Describe both formative and summative design for evaluating success 
in meeting project objective(s). In addition, describe strategy for 
evaluating overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching and 
learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, 
meeting learner need, and potential for replication.

(10) Dissemination

    Describe the plan for sharing results with institution, 
organization or agency, and plan for integration in outreach mission of 
institution, organization, or agency.

(11) Institutional Commitment

    Discuss the institution's commitment to the project. For example, 
substantiate that the institution attributes a high priority to the 
project; discuss how the project will contribute to the achievement of 
the institution's long-term (five-to-ten-year) goals; explain how the 
project will help satisfy the institution's high priority objectives; 
or show how this project is linked to and supported by the 
institution's strategic plan.

Proposal Review

    All proposals received will be acknowledged. Prior to technical 
examination, a preliminary review will be made for responsiveness to 
this solicitation. Proposals that do not fall within the solicitation 
guidelines will be eliminated from competition. All accepted proposals 
will be reviewed by a peer review panel comprised of full-time Federal 
employees and will be evaluated against criteria included in the 
announcement.

Evaluation Criteria

    The maximum score a proposal can receive is 200 points. The peer 
review panel will be selected and organized to provide maximum 
expertise and objective judgment in the evaluation of proposals. In the 
event the number of proposals accepted outnumber dollars available, 
proposals will be ranked and support levels will be recommended by the 
panel(s) within the limitation of total funding available in fiscal 
year 1995.

(a) Program Delivery

Evaluation Criterion and Weight
    (1) Project Need--10 points.
    Does the proposal contain a clear and concise statement identifying 
the background and situation leading to the project need, goal(s), and 
supporting objectives?
    (2) Audience Description--10 points.
    Is the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed 
adequately described, including pertinent history identified in need, 
demographics, and expected impact on audience?
    (3) Partnerships and Collaboration--10 points.
    Are the partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation adequately described?
    (4) Staffing Pattern and Procedures--10 points.
    Is the staff needed for project administration, instructional 
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion adequately described? Does the narrative demonstrate that the 
staffing and implementation procedure will result in an integrated 
approach involving content specialists, instructional designers, and 
quality production resources, and that the individuals are qualified to 
perform these roles. Is there an outline (management plan) 
demonstrating integration?
    (5) Project Sustainability--30 points.
    Does the proposal include convincing evidence of the project's 
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding?
    (6) Budget--10 points.
    Is there a budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget 
included in the proposal? Are the following funding sources and 
itemized costs shown by the following line items: Salary costs, fringe 
benefits costs, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication/
printing/duplication costs, computer costs, and all other costs. Is 
less than 10 percent of the funds requested for equipment?
    Are all items or services for which support is requested identified 
as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is allowable under 
the authorizing legislation and the [[Page 30764]] applicable Federal 
cost principles, and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal 
statute? Are salaries of project personnel who will be working on the 
project in proportion to the effort they will devote to the project?
    (7) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies--20 points.
    Is there a plan for development and employment of alternative 
distance learning technologies including, but not limited to, internet, 
multimedia, audio/visual, and other telecommunications technologies?
    (8) Learner and Program Support--20 points.
    Is there provision of learner and program support?
    (9) Innovation--20 points.
    Is there a plan for innovation application of distance delivery 
including, but not limited to, approaches in reaching audience; methods 
of connectivity and/or interaction; use of existing resources; and 
innovations in the teaching-learning transaction?
    (10) Infrastructure-- 20 points.
    Is a framework present representing both the technological and 
human infrastructure including, but not limited to, technical trouble-
shooting, scheduling and operation?
    (11) Marketing--20 points.
    Is there a marketing plan which includes a rationale for 
promotional effort, logistical considerations, and convincing tie to 
needs assessment?
    (12) Cost-Benefit--20 points.
    Is there a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project, including 
comparison to other delivery methods, relative benefit to learner, and 
staffing costs versus benefits?

(b) Innovative Program Development/Production

Evaluation Criterion and Weight
    (1) Project Need--10 points.
    Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement 
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need, 
goal(s), and supporting objectives.
    (2) Audience Description--10 points.
    Is the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed 
adequately described, including pertinent history identified in need, 
demographics, and expected impact on audience?
    (3) Partnerships and Collaboration--10 points.
    Are the partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation adequately described?
    (4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure--10 points.
    Is the staff needed for project administration, instructional 
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion adequately described? Does the narrative demonstrate that the 
staffing and implementation procedure will result in an integrated 
approach involving content specialists, instructional designers, and 
quality production resources, and that the individuals are qualified to 
perform these roles. Is there an outline (management plan) 
demonstrating integration?
    (5) Project Sustainability--20 points.
    Does the proposal include convincing evidence of the project's 
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding?
    (6) Budget--10 points.
    Is there a budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget 
included in the proposal? Are the following funding sources and 
itemized costs shown by the following line items: Salary costs, fringe 
benefits costs, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication/
printing/duplication costs, computer costs, and all other costs. Is 
less than 10 percent of the funds requested for equipment?
    Are all items or services for which support is requested identified 
as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is allowable under 
the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal cost principles, 
and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal statute? Are 
salaries of project personnel who will be working on the project in 
proportion to the effort they will devote to the project?
    (7) Specific Learning Objectives--20 points.
    Are learning objectives stated in terms of behavioral changes 
expected to occur in the audience(s) based on participation in the 
program?
    (8) Instructional Methodology/Strategies--30 Points.
    Is the instructional/educational method or strategy to be 
implemented fully explained, including appropriateness for audience and 
learning environment. Does the explanation demonstrate knowledge of how 
people learn and/or interact in a mediated environment?
    (9) Content/Curriculum--10 points.
    Is a detailed outline of subject-matter content/curriculum included 
in the proposal?
    (10) Production Techniques--10 points.
    Is a detailed explanation of how the production techniques used in 
producing and delivery of program included. Is it clear how subject-
matter content, instructional method/strategy, and production will be 
integrated?
    (11) On-Site Activities--20 points.
    Is there an innovative design for implementation of on-site or 
personal learning environment, including creative design and 
implementation plan for support materials and enrichment activities for 
on-site and personal learning environment?
    (12) Interactivity--10 points.
    Is there a full description of the expected level of interactivity 
necessary based on principles underlying teaching-learning transaction, 
sound instructional design, and mode of delivery used?
    (13) Program Evaluation--20 points.
    Are both formative and summative design for evaluating success in 
meeting learning objective(s) listed? Is there convincing evidence that 
the described strategy for evaluating overall effectiveness of program 
measure teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, 
immediate application, meeting learner need, and potential for 
replication?
    (14) Marketing Plan--10 points.
    Does the marketing plan include a rationale for promotional effort, 
logistical considerations, and convincing tie to needs assessment?

(c) Capacity Building

Evaluation Criterion and Weight
    (1) Project Need--10 points.
    Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement 
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need, 
goal(s), and supporting objectives.
    (2) Audience Description--10 points.
    Is the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed 
adequately described, including pertinent history identified in need, 
demographics, and expected impact on audience?
    (3) Partnerships and Collaboration--10 points.
    Are the partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation adequately described?
    (4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure--10 points.
    Is the staff needed for project administration, instructional 
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion adequately described? Does the narrative demonstrate that the 
staffing and implementation procedure will result in an integrated 
approach [[Page 30765]] involving content specialists, instructional 
designers, and quality production resources, and that the individuals 
are qualified to perform these roles. Is there an outline (management 
plan) demonstrating integration?
    (5) Project Sustainability--20 points.
    Does the proposal include convincing evidence of the project's 
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding?
    (6) Budget--10 points.
    Is there a budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget 
included in the proposal? Are the following funding sources and 
itemized costs shown by the following line items: Salary costs, fringe 
benefits costs, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication/
printing/duplication costs, computer costs, and all other costs? Is 
less than 10 percent of the funds requested for equipment?
    Are all items or services for which support is requested identified 
as necessary for successful conduct of the project, allowable under the 
authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal cost principles, and 
not prohibited under any applicable Federal statute? Are salaries of 
project personnel who will be working on the project in proportion to 
the effort they will devote to the project?
    (7) Capability Assessment--40 points.
    Is there a detailed assessment of capability or a fully developed 
plan for assessing capability? Does it include the following areas of 
consideration: Faculty development, support resources, production/
technical capability, delivery capability, and building learner 
capacity?
    (8) Project Objectives--20 points.
    Are program objectives stated in terms of what the program will 
deliver? Are the outcomes measurable and tied to the evaluation 
strategy?
    (9) Evaluation--20 points.
    Does the evaluation include both formative and summative design for 
evaluating success in meeting project objective(s)? Is there a 
description of the strategy for evaluating overall effectiveness of 
program in terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-
solving, immediate application, meeting learner need, and potential for 
replication? Are the individuals skilled in evaluation strategies and 
procedures?
    (10) Dissemination--20 points.
    Is there a detailed plan for sharing results with the institution, 
organization or agency?
    (11) Institutional Commitment--30 points.
    Is there evidence to substantiate that the institution attributes 
high-priority to the project; that the project is linked to the 
achievement of the institution's long-term goals; that is will help 
satisfy the institution's high-priority objectives; or that the project 
is supported by the institution's strategic plans? Is there a plan for 
integration into the outreach mission of the institution, organization, 
or agency.

Proposal Disposition

    When the peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the 
USDA program coordinator, based on the recommendations of the peer 
review panel, will recommend to the Awarding Official that the project 
be (a) approved for support from currently available funds or (b) 
declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.
    USDA reserves the right to negotiate with the Project Director and/
or the submitting entity regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions 
in scope of work), funding level, or period of support prior to 
recommending any project for funding.
    A proposal may be withdrawn at any time before a final funding 
decision is made. One copy of each proposal that is not selected for 
funding (including those that are withdrawn) will be retained by USDA 
for one year and remaining copies will be destroyed.

Proposal Submission

(1) What to Submit

    An original and two copies of the proposal must be submitted. Each 
copy of each proposal must be stapled securely in the upper left hand 
corner (Do Not Bind). All copies of the proposal must be submitted in 
one package.

(2) Where and When to Submit

    Proposals submitted through regular mail must be received by close 
of business July 28, 1995, and sent to:
By Surface Mail (U.S. Postal Service)
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA, 
Cooperative Funds Division, Ag Box 0995, Washington, DC 20250-0995
By Overnight Mail or Courier
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA, 
Cooperative Funds Division, 2nd Floor Mezzanine, Cotton Annex, 300-12th 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0995, (202) 401-4314

    Hard copy proposals must be received by close of business July 28, 
1995.
    Include the following information on the proposal cover page:
    (a) Name, address, telephone, fax number, and e-mail address of 
applicant and project director.
    (b) Signatures and date. The cover page must contain the original 
signatures of the Project Director and the Authorized Organizational 
Representative who possesses the necessary authority to commit the 
applicant's time and other relevant resources.
    (c) Project Summary. Each proposal must contain a 200 word abstract 
containing a brief description of the project. The abstract should 
describe the situation, targeted audience, purpose of project, program 
goal, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project.
    Proposals may also be submitted electronically via the Internet in 
addition to the required hard copy version to the address listed. To 
obtain a copy of the electronic application submission information, 
send an electronic mail message to: [email protected]. In the body of 
the message, type the following one-line-only message: Send atf-
guidelines. To submit a copy of your proposal electronically, send an 
ascii text version to: A[email protected]. Additionally, when 
submitting electronically, applicants are still required to submit 
three hard copies of the Proposal Cover Page which contains original 
signatures and date (i.e., three cover pages with original signatures 
and date must be submitted even though electronic submission is used). 
Electronically submitted proposals and the hard copy Proposal Cover 
Pages must be received by close of business July 28, 1995.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

(a) Federal Assistance Awards
    Within the limits of funds available for such purposes, the 
awarding official shall make awards to those responsible, eligible 
applicants whose proposals are judged most meritorious under the 
evaluation criteria and procedures set forth in these application 
guidelines.
    The date specified by the awarding official as the beginning of the 
project period shall not be later than September 30, 1994.
    All funds awarded under the Program shall be expended solely for 
the purpose for which the funds are awarded in accordance with the 
approved application and budget, the terms and conditions of any 
resulting award, the applicable Federal cost principles, and the USDA 
Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations (7 CFR part 
3015). [[Page 30766]] 

(b) Obligation of the Federal Government

    Neither the approval of any application nor the award of any 
Federal assistance commits or obligates the United States in any way to 
provide further support of a project or any portion thereof.

(c) Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

    Federal statutes and regulations that apply to Federal assistance 
proposals considered for review or grants awarded under the Program 
include, but are not limited to, the following:

7 CFR part 1.1--USDA Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act;
7 CFR part 1b--USDA Implementation of the National Environmental Policy 
Act;
7 CFR part 3--USDA Implementation of OMB Circular A-129 regarding debt 
collection;
7 CFR part 15, Subpart A--USDA Implementation of Title VI of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964;
7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 
implementing OMB directives (i.e., Circular Nos. A-110, A-21, and A-
122) and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly, the 
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95-224), 
as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of 
Departmental financial assistance;
7 CFR part 3016--USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments;
7 CFR part 3017--USDA Implementation of Governmentwide Debarment and 
Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-
Free Workplace (Grants);
7 CFR part 3018--USDA Implementation of New Restrictions on Lobbying. 
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and loans;
7 CFR part 3051--Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and Other 
Nonprofit Institutions, implementing OMB Circular A-133, regarding 
audits of institutions of higher education and other nonprofit 
institutions;
29 U.S.C. 794, Section 504--Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR part 
15B (USDA implementation of the statute), prohibiting discrimination 
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs; 
and,
35 U.S.C. 200, et seq. Bayh-Dole Act controlling allocation of rights 
to inventions made by employees of small business firms and domestic 
nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally assisted 
programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR part 401).
Leodrey Williams,
Acting Associate Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, 
and Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 95-14197 Filed 6-8-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-09-M