[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 121 (Friday, June 21, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32282-32289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15851]




[[Page 32281]]


_______________________________________________________________________

Part VIII





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________



Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service



_______________________________________________________________________



Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1996; Solicitation 
of Proposals; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / 
Notices  

[[Page 32282]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1996; 
Solicitation of Proposals

AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 
USDA.

ACTION: Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1996; 
Solicitation of Proposals.

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

SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service is soliciting proposals under the Agricultural 
Telecommunications Program. The Agricultural Telecommunications Program 
is authorized in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990. It is anticipated that grants will be awarded competitively under 
the program in support of the following areas: (1) Program Delivery, 
(2) Innovative Program Development/Production, and (3) Capacity 
Building.

DATES: Proposals must be received by close of business August 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the 
following address: Proposal Services Unit, Grants Management Branch, 
Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State, Research, Education, 
and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2245, 
Washington, DC 20250-2245, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Proposals that are delivered by Express mail, courier service, or 
by hand must be sent to the following address: Proposal Services Unit, 
Grants Management Branch, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative 
State, Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street SW., Washington, 
DC 20024, Telephone (202) 401-5048.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cathy Bridwell, 202-720-6084 for programmatic issues, or Winston 
Sherman, 202-401-5050 for administrative issues.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Program Description
    (a) Purpose
    (b) Available Funding
    (c) Eligibility
    (d) Definitions
    (e) Application Categories
    (f) Proposal Review
    (g) Evaluation Criteria
How to Obtain Application Materials
Proposal Format
    (a) Project Application (Form CFD-2101)
    (b) Project Description
    (c) Application Category
    (d) Staffing Pattern and Procedure
    (e) Personnel Support
    (f) Budget
    (g) Current and Pending Support
    (h) Organizational and Management Information
Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Proposal Disposition
Proposal Submission
    (a) What to Submit
    (b) Where and When to Submit
Supplementary Information
    (a) Federal Assistance Awards
    (b) Obligation of the Federal Government
    (c) Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

Program Description

(a) Purpose

    Proposals are requested for the purpose of awarding competitive 
grants for fiscal year (FY) 1996 under the Agricultural 
Telecommunications Program (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. No. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926). The program is 
administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service (CSREES) of USDA.

(b) Available Funding

    For fiscal year 1996, $1,106,760 is available for the program. 
Grants under this program may provide funds for no more than 50 percent 
(50%) of the cost of a proposed project, unless otherwise determined by 
the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 1673(g) of Pub. 
L. No. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(g)). 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. Project funds will be 
awarded for one fiscal year. Applicants may recompete for additional 
funding, but projects will not be renewed.

(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.
    Pursuant to Sec. 1673(e) of Pub. L. No. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(e)), 
preferential consideration will be given to applications that--
    (i) are submitted by institutions affiliated with an established 
agricultural telecommunications network that distributes programs to a 
wide geographical area; or
    (ii) demonstrate the need for such assistance, taking into 
consideration the relative needs of all applicants and the financial 
ability of the applicants to otherwise secure or create the 
telecommunications system.
    These preferences will be factored into the evaluation of the 
Partnerships and Collaboration and Project Need Criteria, respectively.
    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

[[Page 32283]]

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;
    (5) Otherwise be qualified and eligible to receive Federal 
assistance under the applicable laws and regulations; and

(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 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, 
cooperative extension programming, agricultural research, and marketing 
information;
    (4) Awarding official means the Administrator 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 of a 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 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,
    (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.

(e) Application Categories

    Applicants may submit proposals in any of the following program 
areas as specified in the authorization: (1) Program Delivery, (2) 
Innovative Program Development/Production, and (3) Capacity Building.
(1) Program Delivery
(A) Description
    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. 
Proposals in this category must clearly target a systematic approach to 
building an infrastructure to deliver programming at a distance.
    Each proposal will be evaluated based on three broad principles: 
(1) Is there a real need for the project, (2) will the strategy 
identified meet the need, and (3) is the project sustainable.
    Each proposal must document the need for the project, based on 
literature review, case studies, audience analysis and/or needs 
assessment.
    The project strategy should reflect an integrated approach to 
instructional design including subject-matter content, educational 
methodology and compatible production and delivery techniques. The 
approach as described must meet the need.
    Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the 
institution or by other groups or institutions who may wish to continue 
the project.
(B) Proposal Narrative
    The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project 
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed 
14 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be 
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(i) Principle One-Need
Project Need
    Describe the background and situation leading to the need for the 
project. The project must be based on a need articulated by an audience 
or on a needs assessment. Describe the targeted audience(s) for whom 
the project will be designed including pertinent history identified in 
need, demographics, and expected impact on audience. If appropriate, 
describe the methodology and results of the needs assessment. 
Demonstrate the need for assistance under this program, including 
financial ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed 
program.
(ii) Principle Two-Strategy
(a) 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. Partners are defined 
as all those who will collaborate on the Project. Submit evidence that 
partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a substantial 
role and interest in the project. Examples of role and interest might 
include joint risk-taking and shared benefits. Include information 
about any current affiliations with established agricultural 
telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a wide 
geographical area.
(b) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies
    Describe alternative distance learning technologies including, but 
not limited to, internet, multimedia, audio/visual,

[[Page 32284]]

and other telecommunications technologies to be developed or employed 
in this project.
(c) Infrastructure
    Describe a framework representing both the technological and human 
infrastructure for this project including, but not limited to, 
technical trouble-shooting, scheduling and operation management, and 
learner and program support. Evidence of learner support includes, but 
is 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.
(d) Innovation
    Describe the innovative application of distance education/learning 
delivery identified in the project. Examples of innovation may include, 
but are not limited to, approaches in reaching audiences, methods of 
connectivity and/or interaction, use of existing resources with 
innovations in the teaching/learning transaction, and entrepreneurial 
approaches to distance education delivery.
(e) Outreach Plan
    Describe a plan for informing others about positive and negative 
outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, and research 
findings from the project.
(f) Evaluation Plan
    Describe both formative and summative design for evaluating 
specific aspects of the project. These designs may include methods for 
evaluating the overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching 
and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, 
meeting learner needs, and/or potential for replication.
(iii) Principle Three-Sustainability
(a) Project Sustainability
    Include strong evidence of the project's ability to continue and 
grow after receiving the funding. Examples may include replication by 
others; continued funding other than from this program, or 
opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and results of 
project by others.
(b) Cost/Benefit
    Include a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project, including 
comparison to other delivery methods, relative benefit to learner, and 
staffing costs versus benefits.
(2) Innovative Program Development/Production
(A) Description
    Applicants submitting a proposal in the Innovative Program 
Development/Production Category must demonstrate an innovation to 
distance education programming. The innovation might be a new approach 
or a new approach to a traditional model of distance education. The 
project should contribute some aspect to the body of knowledge of 
distance education. Examples might include innovative approaches to 
entrepreneurship, evaluation, and the teaching/learning transaction.
    Each proposal will be evaluated based on three broad principles: 
(1) Is there a real need for the project, (2) will the strategy 
identified meet the need, and (3) is the project sustainable.
    Each proposal must document the need for the project, based on 
literature review, case studies, audience analysis and/or needs 
assessment.
    The project strategy should reflect an integrated approach to 
instructional design including subject-matter content, educational 
methodology and compatible production and delivery techniques. The 
approach must meet the identified need.
    Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the 
institution or by other groups or institutions who may wish to continue 
the project.
(B) Project Narrative
    The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project 
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed 
15 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be 
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(i) Principle One-Need
(a) Project Need
    Describe the background and situation leading to the need for the 
project. The project must be based on a need articulated by an audience 
or on a needs assessment. Describe the targeted audience(s) for whom 
the project will be designed including pertinent history identified in 
need, demographics, and expected impact on audience. If appropriate, 
describe the methodology and results of the needs assessment. 
Demonstrate the need for assistance under this program, including 
financial ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed 
program.
(b) Innovation
    Describe the innovative application of distance education/learning 
identified in the project. Examples of innovation may include, but are 
not limited to, approaches in reaching audiences, methods of 
connectivity and/or interaction, use of existing resources with 
innovations in the teaching/learning transaction, and entrepreneurial 
approaches to distance education.
(ii) Principle Two-Strategy
(a) 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.
(b) Evaluation Plan
    Describe both formative and summative design for evaluating 
specific aspects of the project. These designs may include methods for 
evaluating the overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching 
and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, 
meeting learner needs, and/or potential for replication.
(c) Outreach Plan
    Describe a plan for informing others positive and negative 
outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, and research 
findings from the project.
(d) Partnerships and Collaboration
    Describe partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
the learner, institution, agency, state, and nation. Partners are 
defined as all those who will collaborate on the project. Submit 
evidence that partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a 
substantial role and interest in the project. Examples of role and 
interest might include joint risktaking and shared benefits. Include 
information about any current affiliations with established 
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a 
wide geographical area.
(iii) Principle Three-Sustainability
Project Sustainability
    Include strong evidence of the project's ability to continue and 
grow after receiving the funding. Examples may include replication by 
others; continued funding other than from this

[[Page 32285]]

program, or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and 
results of project by others.
(3) Capacity Building
(A) Description
    Applicants submitting proposals in this category should target the 
development of capacity in the area of distance education at the 
university, state, regional, or national or international level. 
Proposals must include a detailed plan for assessing capacity or a plan 
for targeting need based on a completed needs assessment.
    Each proposal will be evaluated based on three broad principles: 
(1) Is there a real need for the project, (2) will the strategy 
identified meet the need, and (3) in the project sustainable.
    Each proposal must document the need for the project, based on 
literature review, case studies, audience analysis and needs 
assessment.
    The project strategy should reflect an integrated approach to 
instructional design including subject-matter content, educational 
methodology and compatible production and delivery techniques. The 
approach described must meet the identified need.
    Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the 
institution or by other groups or institutions who may wish to continue 
the project.
(B) Project Narrative
    The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project 
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed 
15 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be 
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(i) Principle One-Need
Project Need
    Describe the background and situation leading to the need for the 
project. The project must be based on a need articulated by an audience 
or on a needs assessment. Describe the targeted audiences(s) for which 
the project will be designed including pertinent history identified in 
need, demographics, and expected impact on audience. If appropriate, 
describe the methodology and results of the needs assessment. 
Applicants should describe how the capacity built will improve program 
production or program delivery. Demonstrate the need for assistance 
under this program, including financial ability or inability to 
otherwise pursue the proposed program.
(ii) Principle Two-Strategy
(a) Capacity Assessment
    Include a detailed assessment of capacity or a fully developed plan 
for assessing capacity. Areas of consideration include, but are not 
limited to: faculty/staff development; support resources; production/
technical capability; delivery capability; building learner capacity.
(b) Evaluation Plan
    Describe both formative and summative design for evaluating 
specific aspects of the project. These designs may include methods for 
evaluating the overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching 
and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, 
meeting learner need, and/or potential for replication.
(c) Outreach Plan
    Describe a plan for informing others about positive and negative 
outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, research findings 
from the project.
(iii) Principle Three-Sustainability
(a) Sustainability
    Include strong evidence of the project's ability to continue and 
grow after receiving the funding. Examples may include replication by 
others; continued funding other than from this program, or 
opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and results of 
project by others.
(b) Institutional Commitment
    Discuss institutional commitment to the project. For example, 
substantiate that the institution(s) attributes a priority to the 
project; discuss how the project will contribute to the achievement of 
the institution's(s') long-term (five- to ten-year) goals; explain how 
the project will help satisfy the institution's(s') high priority 
objectives; or show how this project is linked to and supported by the 
institution's(s') strategic plan.
(c) Partnerships and Collaboration
    Describe partnerships and collaborations fostered through this 
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as 
the learner, institution, agency, state, and nation. Partners are 
defined as all those who will collaborate on the project. Submit 
evidence that partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a 
substantial role and interest in the project. Examples of role and 
interest might include joint risk taking and shared benefits. Include 
information about any current affiliations with established 
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a 
wide geographical area.

(f) Proposal Review

    All proposals received will be acknowledged. 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 remaining 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.

(g) Evaluation Criteria

    The maximum score a proposal can receive is 100 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 outnumbered dollars available, 
proposals will be ranked and supported levels will be recommended by 
the panel(s) within the limitation of total funding available in FY 
1996.
(1) Program Delivery
Evaluation Criteria and Weight
(A) Principle One-Need--40 Points
Project Need
    Did the proposal describe the background and situation leading to 
the need for the project? Is the project based on a need articulated by 
an audience, or on a needs assessment? Are the targeted audience(s) for 
whom the project will be designed described, including pertinent 
history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact on 
audience? If appropriate, are methodology and results of needs 
assessment described? Did the proposal demonstrate the need for 
assistance under this program, including a statement of financial 
ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed program and the 
impact of participation in this program on this ability?
(B) Principle Two-Strategy--40 Points
(i) Partnerships and Collaboration
    Are partnerships and collaborations fostered through this project 
described, including expected impact and benefit to those involved such 
as learner, institution, agency, state, and nation? Is there evidence 
that partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a 
substantial role and interest in the project and are examples of role 
and

[[Page 32286]]

interest given, including joint risk taking and shared benefits? Is 
evidence provided of any current affiliations with established 
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a 
wide geographical area?
(ii) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies
    Does the proposal include a plan for the development and employment 
of alternative distance learning technologies including, but not 
limited to, internet, multimedia, audio/visual, and other 
telecommunications technologies?
(iii) Infrastructure
    Does the proposal include a framework representing both the 
technological and human infrastructure including, but not limited to, 
technical trouble-shooting, scheduling and operation management, and 
learner and program support? Is there 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?
(iv) Innovation
    Does the proposal describe how the application of distance 
education/learning delivery identified in the project is innovative? 
Are examples provided that may include, but are not limited to, 
approaches in reaching audiences; methods of connectivity and/or 
interaction; use of existing resources with innovations in the 
teaching/learning transaction; entrepreneurial approaches to distance 
education delivery.
(v) Outreach Plan
    Is there an outreach plan articulating an approach for informing 
others about positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned, 
innovative ideas, and research findings from the project?
(vi) Evaluation Plan
    Are both formative and summative design for evaluating specific 
aspects of the project described? Do they include evaluating the 
overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching and learning, 
behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, meeting learner 
need, and/or potential for replication?
(C) Principle Three-Sustainability--20 Points
(i) Project Sustainability
    Does the proposal present strong evidence of the project's ability 
to continue and grow after receiving the funding? Does this evidence 
include replication by others; continued funding other than from this 
program, or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and 
results of project by others?
(ii) Cost/Benefit
    Does the proposal include a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed 
project, including comparison to other delivery methods, relative 
benefit to learner, and staffing costs versus benefits?
(2) Innovative Program Development/Production
Evaluation Criteria and Weight
(A) Principle One-Need--30 Points
(i) Project Need
    Does the proposal describe the background and situation leading to 
the need for the project? Is the project based on a need articulated by 
an audience, or on a needs assessment? Are the targeted audience(s) for 
whom the project will be designed described, including pertinent 
history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact on 
audience? If appropriate, are methodology and results of needs 
assessment described? Did the proposal demonstrate the need for 
assistance under this program, including a statement of financial 
ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed program and the 
impact of participation in this program on this ability?
(ii) Innovation
    Does the proposal describe how the application of distance 
education/learning is innovative? Are examples provided that may 
include, but are not limited to, approaches in reaching audiences; 
methods of connectivity and/or interaction; use of existing resources 
with innovations in the teaching/learning transaction; entrepreneurial 
approaches to distance education?
(B) Principle Two-Strategy--50 Points
    Does the proposal make the case that the strategy outlined will 
accomplish the goals and meet the need(s) identified in part one?
(i) Instructional Methodology/Strategies
    Is the instructional/educational method or strategy to be 
implemented explained, including its appropriateness for the audience 
and learning environment? Does the explanation demonstrate knowledge of 
how people learn and/or interact in a mediated environment?
(ii) Evaluation Plan
    Are both formative and summative design for evaluating specific 
aspects of the project described? Do they include evaluating the 
overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching and learning, 
behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, meeting learner 
need, and/or potential for replication?
(iii) Outreach Plan
    Does the outreach plan articulate an approach for informing others 
about positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned, 
innovative ideas, and research findings from the project?
(iv) Partnerships and Collaboration
    Are partnerships and collaborations fostered through this project 
described, including expected impact and benefit to those involved such 
as learner, institution, agency, state, and nation? Is there evidence 
that partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a 
substantial role and interest in the project? Are examples of role and 
interest given such as joint risk taking and shared benefits? Is 
evidence provided of any current affiliations with established 
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a 
wide geographical area?
(C) Principle Three-Sustainability--20 Points
Project Sustainability
    Does the proposal present strong evidence of the project's ability 
to continue and grow after receiving the funding. Does this evidence 
include replication by others; continued funding other than from this 
program, or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and 
results of project by others?
(3) Capacity Building
Evaluation Criteria and Weight
(A) Principle One-Need--20 Points
Project Need
    Did the proposal describe the background and situation leading to 
the need for the project? Is the project based on a need articulated by 
an audience, or on a needs assessment? Are the targeted audience(s) for 
whom the project will be designed described, including pertinent 
history identified in terms of need, demographics, and expected impact 
on audience? If appropriate, are the

[[Page 32287]]

methodology and results of needs assessment described? Did the 
applicant describe how the capability built will improve program 
production or program delivery? Did the proposal demonstrate the need 
for assistance under this program, including a statement of financial 
ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed program and the 
impact of participation in this program on this ability?
(B) Principle Two-Strategy--30 Points
(i) Capacity Assessment
    Is a detailed assessment of capacity or a fully developed plan for 
assessing capacity included? Does the assessment include faculty/staff 
development; support resources; production/technical capability; 
delivery capability; building learner capacity?
(ii) Evaluation Plan
    Are both formative and summative design for evaluating specific 
aspects of the project described? Do they include evaluating the 
overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching and learning, 
behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, meeting learner 
need, and/or potential for replication?
(iii) Outreach
    Does the outreach plan articulate an approach for informing others 
about positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned, 
innovative ideas, and research findings from the project?
(C) Principle Three-Sustainability--50 Points
(i) Sustainability
    Does the proposal present strong evidence of the project's ability 
to continue and grow after receiving the funding. Does this evidence 
include replication by others; continued funding other than from this 
program, or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and 
results of project by others?
(ii) Institutional Commitment
    Does the proposal discuss the institutional commitment to the 
project? Does the proposal substantiate that the institution(s) 
attributes a 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(s') high priority objectives; or show how this project is 
linked to and supported by the institution's(s') strategic plan?
(iii) Partnerships and Collaboration
    Are partnerships and collaborations fostered through this project 
described, including expected impact and benefit to those involved such 
as learner, institution, agency, state, and nation? Is there evidence 
that partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a 
substantial role and interest in the project? Are examples of role and 
interest given including joint risk taking and shared benefits? Is 
evidence provided by any current affiliations with established 
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a 
wide geographical area?

How to Obtain Application Materials

    Copies of this solicitation and the Application Submission Package, 
which contains required forms, certifications, and instructions for 
preparing and submitting project applications, may be obtained by 
contacting: Proposal Services Unit, Grants Management Branch, Office of 
Extramural Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2245, 
Washington, DC 20250-2245, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Application materials may also be requested via Internet by sending 
a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone 
number to [email protected] that states that you wish to receive a copy 
of the application materials for the FY 1996 Agricultural 
Telecommunications Program. The materials will then be mailed to you 
(not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.

Proposal Format

    Members of the review committees and the staff expect each project 
description to be complete in itself and should address the described 
criteria. Proposals should adhere to the following format:
    (a) Project Application (Form CFD-2101). All full proposals 
submitted by eligible applicants should contain a Project Application, 
Form CFD-2101, which must be signed by the proposed project director 
and endorsed by the cognizant Authorized Organizational Representative 
who possesses the necessary authority to commit the applicant's time 
and other relevant resources. The title of the proposal must be brief 
(80-character maximum), yet represent the major emphasis of the 
project. Because this title will be used to provide information to 
those who may not be familiar with the proposed project, highly 
technical words or phraseology should be avoided where possible.
    (b) Project Description. Each proposal must contain a clear and 
concise overview (abstract) of the project. The overview should 
describe the situation, targeted audience, purpose of project, program 
goal, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project. The abstract 
should not exceed 200 words.
    (c) Application Category: Each proposal must state the category 
under which funds are requested and contain the required information 
described under section (e) of the Program Description Application 
Categories.
    (d) Staffing Pattern and Procedure. Each proposal must 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.
    (e) Personnel Support. To assist peer reviewers in assessing the 
competence and experience of the proposed project staff, key personnel 
who will be involved in the proposed project must be identified 
clearly. For each project director involved, and for all senior 
associates and other professional personnel who expect to work on the 
project, whether or not funds are sought for their support, the 
following should be included:
    (1) An estimate of the time commitments necessary;
    (2) Curriculum vitae. The curriculum vitae should be limited to a 
presentation of academic and research credentials, e.g., educational, 
employment and professional history, and honors and awards. Unless 
pertinent to the project, to personal status, or the status of the 
organization--meetings attended, seminars given, or personal data such 
as birth date, marital status, or community activities should not be 
included. The vitae shall be no more than two pages each in length, 
excluding the publication lists. The Department reserves the option of 
not forwarding for further consideration a proposal in which each vitae 
exceeds the two-page limit; and
    (3) Publication List(s). A chronological list of the most 
representative publications during the past five years, including those 
in press, must be provided for each professional project member for 
whom a curriculum vitae is provided. Authors should be

[[Page 32288]]

listed in the same order as they appear on each paper cited, along with 
the title and complete reference as these items usually appear in 
journals.
    (f) Budget. A detailed budget is required. A copy of the form which 
must be used for this purpose, Form CFD-2102, along with instructions 
for completion, is included in the Application Submission Package and 
may be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be requested under 
any of the categories listed, provided that the item or service for 
which support is requested may be identified as necessary for 
successful conduct of the proposed project, is allowable under 
applicable Federal cost principles, and is not prohibited under any 
applicable Federal statute. While some funds are available for the 
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission 
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent (10%) 
of the funds available may be awarded for that purpose. As stated under 
section (b) of the Program Description Available Funding, for each 
grant the Federal funds provided may be for no more than 50 percent of 
the cost of the proposed project unless otherwise determined by the 
Secretary.
    Applicants' budgets shall specify the total cost of the proposed 
program, the amount of assistance requested for the proposed program, 
and other sources of funding that will be used for the proposed 
program. Each applicant also must attach to its budget an analysis of 
the costs and benefits of purchasing (or leasing) different types of 
facilities, equipment, components, hardware and software, and other 
items.
    (g) Current and Pending Support. All proposals must list any other 
current public or private research support (including in-house support) 
to which key personnel identified in the proposal have committed 
portions of their time, whether or not salary support for person(s) 
involved is included in the budget. Analogous information must be 
provided for any pending proposals that are being considered by, or 
that will be submitted in the near future to, other possible sponsors, 
including other USDA programs or agencies. Concurrent submission of 
identical or similar proposals to the possible sponsors will not 
prejudice proposal review or evaluation by the Administrator for this 
purpose. However, a proposal that duplicates or overlaps substantially 
with a proposal already reviewed and funded (or that will be funded) by 
another organization or agency will not be funded under this program. 
The application material includes Form CSREES-663 which is suitable for 
listing current and pending support.
    (h) Organizational Management Information. Specific management 
information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one-time 
basis prior to the award of a grant for this Program if such 
information has not been provided previously under this or another 
program for which the sponsoring agency is responsible. The Department 
will contact an applicant to request organizational management 
information once a proposal has been recommended for funding.

Compliance With the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA)

    As outlined in 7 CFR Part 3407 (the CSREES regulations implementing 
NEPA), environmental data or documentation for any proposed project is 
to be provided to CSREES in order to assist CSREES in carrying out its 
responsibilities under NEPA. In some cases, however, the preparation of 
environmental data or documentation may not be required. Certain 
categories of actions are excluded from the requirements of NEPA. The 
applicant shall review the following categorical exclusions and 
determine if the proposed project may fall within one or more of the 
exclusions.
    (1) Department of Agriculture Categorical Exclusions (7 CFR 1b.3).
    (i) Policy development, planning and implementation which are 
related to routine activities such as personnel, organizational 
changes, or similar administrative functions;
    (ii) Activities which deal solely with the funding of programs, 
such as program budget proposals, disbursements, and transfer or 
reprogramming of funds;
    (iii) Inventories, research activities, and studies, such as 
resource inventories and routine data collection when such actions are 
clearly limited in context and intensity;
    (iv) Educational and informational programs and activities;
    (v) Civil and criminal law enforcement and investigative 
activities;
    (vi) Activities which are advisory and consultative to other 
agencies and public private entities; and
    (vii) Activities related to trade representation and market 
development activities abroad.
    (2) CSREES Categorical Exclusions
(7 CFR 3407.6).
    Based on previous experience, the following categories of CSREES 
actions are excluded because they have been found to have limited scope 
and intensity and to have no significant individual or cumulative 
impacts on the quality of human environment:
    (i) The following categories of research programs or projects 
limited in size and magnitude with only short-term effects on the 
environment:
    (A) Research conducted within any laboratory, greenhouse, or other 
contained facility where research practices and safeguards prevent 
environmental impacts;
    (B) Surveys, inventories, and similar studies that have limited 
context and minimal intensity in terms of changes in the environment; 
and
    (C) Testing outside of the laboratory, such as in small isolated 
field plots, which involves the routine use of familiar chemicals or 
biological materials.
    (ii) Routine renovation, rehabilitation, or revitalization of 
physical facilities, including the acquisition and installation of 
equipment, where such activity is limited in scope and intensity.
    In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is 
needed with respect to NEPA (e.g., preparation of an environmental 
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS)), pertinent 
information regarding the possible environmental impacts of a proposed 
project is necessary; therefore, the National Environmental Policy Act 
Exclusions Form (Form CSREES--1234) provided with the application 
materials must be included in the proposal indicating whether the 
applicant is of the opinion that the project falls within one or more 
of the categorical exclusions listed above.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES may determine that an EA or an EIS is necessary for a proposed 
project should substantial controversy on environmental grounds exist 
or if other extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present that 
may cause a project to have a significant environmental effect.

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

[[Page 32289]]

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

(a) What to Submit

    An original and eight 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.

(b) Where and When to Submit

    Proposals must be received by close of business August 23, 1996.
    Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the following 
address: Proposal Services Unit, Grants Management Branch, Office of 
Extramural Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2245, 
Washington, D.C. 20250-2245, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Proposals that are delivered by Express mail, courier service, or 
by hand must be submitted to the following address (not that the zip 
code differs from that shown above): Proposal Services Unit. Grants 
Management Branch, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street SW, Washington, 
DC 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.

Supplementary Information

(a) Federal Assistance Awards

    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, 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 be not later than September 30, 1996.
    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 Parts 3015 and 3019).

(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 the 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, as amended--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 3019--USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, 
and Other Non-Profit Organizations implementing OMB Circular A-110;
    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).

    Done at Washington, D.C., on this 17 day of June 1996.
B.H. Robinson,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-15851 Filed 6-20-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-09-M