[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 147 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41240-41247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20236]



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Part V





Department of Agriculture





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Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 147 / Thursday, July 31, 1997 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

    Request for Proposals (RFP): Fund for Rural America Program.

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

ACTION: Announcement of availability of grant funds and request for 
proposals for The Fund for Rural America--Rural Information 
Infrastructure Program.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
established an account in the Treasury of the United States to provide 
funds for rural development programs and a competitive grant program to 
support research, education, and extension activities.
    This notice pertains only to the competitive grant program for 
research, education, and extension telecommunications activities. It 
identifies eligible participants in the program, the program areas to 
be supported, and the funding levels for each area; provides 
instructions for preparing and submitting proposals; and describes the 
selection process and evaluation criteria to be used to make funding 
decisions. To obtain program application materials, please contact the 
Proposal Services Unit, Grants Management Branch; Office of Extramural 
Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; 
U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, 
S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2245; Telephone: (202) 401-5048. When 
calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you are 
requesting materials for The Fund for Rural America--Rural Information 
Infrastructure Program. These materials may also be requested via 
Internet by sending a message with your name, mailing address (not e-
mail) and phone number to [email protected] which states that you want a 
copy of the application materials for the Fiscal Year 1997 Fund for 
Rural America--Rural Information Infrastructure Program. The materials 
will then be mailed to you (not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.

DATES: Project grant applications must be received on or before 
September 29, 1997. Proposals received after September 29, 1997, will 
not be considered for funding.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathy Bridwell, Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 2207, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20250-2207; telephone (202) 720-6084.

Table of Contents

Part I. General Information

A. Legislative Authority
B. General Definitions
C. Eligibility
D. Available Funds and Award Limitations

Part II. Program Description

A. Purpose of the Program
B. Scope of Program
C. Proposal Narrative

Part III. Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials
B. Content of a Proposal

Part IV. Submission of a Proposal

A. What to Submit
B. Where and When to Submit
C. Acknowledgment of Proposals

Part V. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Selection Process
B. Technical Evaluation Criteria
C. Programmatic Relevance Review

Part VI. Supplementary Information:

A. Access to Peer Review Information
B. Grant Awards
C. Use of Funds; Changes
D. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

Part I. General Information

A. Legislative Authority

    The Fund for Rural America (The Fund), authorized under section 793 
of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR 
Act) (7 U.S.C. 2204(f)), provides $100 million annually for the next 
three years. One-third of the fund is available for research, 
education, and extension grants. These grants will be awarded on a 
competitive basis and are not targeted to specific priorities. One-
third of the fund is available for rural development and must be 
administered through existing rural development programs. One-third of 
the fund is available either for research, education, and extension or 
rural development, or both at the Secretary's discretion. Note that the 
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, Pub. L. No. 105-18, 
rescinded $20 million of The Fund in Fiscal Year 1997. As a result of 
this rescission, research and rural development will each sustain a 
reduction of $10 million. The $10 million reduction of the research 
component of The Fund will be applied proportionately across all areas 
of the component.
    On January 29, 1997, the program solicited proposals for two 
initiatives: The Fund Core Initiative and The Secretary's Initiative. 
The Fund Core Initiative was funded from the one-third of the fund 
dedicated to research, education, and extension. The Secretary's 
Initiative was funded from the one-third of the fund to be used at the 
Secretary's discretion. While the Fund for Rural America--Rural 
Information Infrastructure Program also is being funded from the 
discretionary funds, it is separate from the solicitation of January 
29, 1997.
    This portion of the discretionary monies will be used for 
telecommunications research to provide the same economic opportunity 
for those living in small towns and rural areas as for those living in 
cities. To help achieve this goal, approximately $2.1 million in 
competitive grants will be awarded through this separate request for 
proposals (RFP). If an applicant submitted a proposal to The Fund under 
the January 29, 1997, RFP which relates to telecommunications research, 
they also may submit the proposal under this RFP so long as the 
proposal conforms to the guidelines contained in this RFP.
    These funds are to be competitively awarded as grants on the basis 
of merit, quality, and relevance to advancing the purposes of federally 
supported agricultural research, extension, and education provided in 
Section 1402 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3101). Section 1402 
identifies the following purposes:
    ``(1) Enhance the competitiveness of the United States agriculture 
and food industry in an increasingly competitive world environment;
    (2) Increase the long-term productivity of the United States 
agriculture and food industry while maintaining and enhancing the 
natural resource base on which rural America and the United States 
agricultural economy depend;
    (3) Develop new uses and new products for agricultural commodities, 
such as alternative fuels, and develop new crops;
    (4) Support agricultural research and extension to promote economic 
opportunity in rural communities and to meet the increasing demand for 
information and technology transfer throughout the United States 
agriculture industry;
    (5) Improve risk management in the United States agriculture 
industry;
    (6) Improve the safe production and processing of, and adding of 
value to, United States food and fiber resources using methods that 
maintain the balance

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between yield and environmental soundness;
    (7) Support higher education in agriculture to give the next 
generation of Americans the knowledge, technology, and applications 
necessary to enhance the competitiveness of United States agriculture; 
and
    (8) Maintain an adequate, nutritious, and safe supply of food to 
meet human nutritional needs and requirements.''
    This program has the capability of addressing each of the purposes 
through the use of telecommunications; however, the specific purposes 
to be addressed is dependent on the funded projects.
    Section 793(c)(2)(A) of the FAIR Act authorizes the Secretary to 
use The Fund for competitive research, education, and extension grants 
to:
    ``(i) Increase international competitiveness, efficiency, and farm 
profitability;
    (ii) Reduce economic and health risks;
    (iii) Conserve and enhance natural resources;
    (iv) Develop new crops, new crop uses, and new agricultural 
applications of biotechnology;
    (v) Enhance animal agricultural resources;
    (vi) Preserve plant and animal germplasm;
    (vii) Increase economic opportunities in farming and rural 
communities; and
    (viii) Expand locally-owned, value-added processing.''

B. General Definitions

    For the purpose of awarding grants under this program, the 
following definitions are applicable:
    (1) Administrator means the Administrator of the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved 
may be delegated.
    (2) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any 
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify 
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
    (3) Authorized organizational representative means the president or 
chief executive officer of the applicant organization or the official, 
designated by the president or chief executive officer of the applicant 
organization, who has the authority to commit the resources of the 
organization.
    (4) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) 
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    (5) College or university means an educational institution in any 
State which admits as regular students only persons having a 
certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, 
or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, is legally 
authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond 
secondary education, provides an educational program for which an 
associate's degree, a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is 
awarded, is a public or other nonprofit institution, and is accredited 
by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
    (6) Communities of interest means interests which bond individuals 
together for the purpose of achieving a common goal. Communities of 
interest may coalesce around common locations, commodity or production 
interests, environmental concerns, economic development opportunities, 
or other shared commitments.
    (7) Core initiative means the programs encompassing the one-third 
of The Fund designated for research, education, and extension 
activities.
    (8) Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    (9) End users means the intended audience or beneficiary of the 
program or project.
    (10) Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to a Federal 
research agency, a national laboratory, a college or university or a 
research foundation maintained by a college or university, or a private 
research organization to assist in meeting the costs of conducting, for 
the benefit of the public, an identified project which is intended and 
designed to accomplish the purpose of the program as identified in 
these guidelines.
    (11) Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    (12) The National Information Infrastructure (NII) includes, but is 
not limited to, the physical facilities used to transmit, store, 
process, and display voice, data, and images, as well as a wide range 
and ever-expanding range of equipment including cameras, scanners, 
keyboards, telephones, fax machines, computers, switches, compact 
disks, video and audio tape, cable, wire, satellites, optical fiber 
transmission lines, microwave nets, switches, televisions, monitors, 
and printers.
    (13) Partners are defined as all those who will collaborate on and 
have a substantial role and interest in the project.
    (14) Peer review panel means a group of experts qualified by 
training and experience in particular fields to give expert advice on 
the merit of grant applications in such fields, who evaluate eligible 
proposals submitted to this program in their personal area(s) of 
expertise.
    (15) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent 
by an authorized departmental officer as defined in (2) above.
    (16) Private research organization means any non-governmental 
corporation, partnership, proprietorship, trust, or other organization 
with an established and demonstrated capacity to perform research or 
technology transfer which (1) conducts any systematic study directed 
toward new or fuller knowledge and understanding of the subject 
studied, or (2) systematically relates or applies the findings of 
research or scientific experimentation to the application of new 
approaches to problem solving, technologies, or management practices; 
and (3) has facilities, qualified personnel, independent funding, and 
prior projects and accomplishments in research or technology transfer.
    (17) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    (18) Project director means the single individual designated by the 
grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary who is 
responsible for the direction and management of the project.
    (19) Project period means the period, as stated in the award 
document and modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal 
sponsorship begins and ends.
    (20) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved 
may be delegated.
    (21) Secretary's initiative means the programs encompassing the 
one-third of The Fund for rural development and/or research, education, 
and extension activities according to the Secretary's discretion.
    (22) Smaller institution means a college or university or a 
research foundation maintained by a college or university that ranks in 
the lower one-third of such institutions on the basis of Federal 
research funds received (excepting monies received under the Fund).
    (23) Stakeholder means those who have a substantial interest in the 
project, but are not the intended audience of the program or project.
    (24) The Fund means the Fund for Rural America.

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C. Eligibility

    Proposals may be submitted by Federal research agencies, national 
laboratories, colleges or universities or research foundations 
maintained by a college or university, or private research 
organizations. National laboratories include Federal laboratories that 
are government-owned contractor-operated or government-owned 
government-operated. If the applicant is a private organization, 
documentation must be submitted establishing that the private 
organization has an established and demonstrated capacity to perform 
research or technology transfer. A programmatic decision on the 
eligibility status of the private organization will be made based on 
the information submitted.

D. Available Funds and Award Limitations

    Under this program, subject to the availability of funds, the 
Secretary may award competitive grants, for periods not to exceed five 
years, for the support of research, education, and extension projects 
to further the programs of the USDA. The first allocation to The Fund 
from the U.S. Treasury is $100,000,000 on January 1, 1997. No less than 
one-third of the amount must be used for rural development and 
competitively awarded research, education, and extension grants 
according to the Secretary's discretion. Funds for the competitive 
grants program are available to the Department for award during a two-
year period. Note that the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 
Pub. L. No. 105-18, rescinded $20 million of The Fund in Fiscal Year 
1997. As a result of this rescission, research and rural development 
will each sustain a reduction of $10 million. The $10 million reduction 
of the research component of The Fund will be applied proportionately 
across all areas of the component. The Department expects to award 
approximately $2.1 million as grants to meritorious eligible applicants 
under this request for proposals (RFP).
    Not less than 15 percent of the total funds awarded by CSREES under 
The Fund for research, education, and extension activities will be used 
for grants to colleges, universities, or research foundations 
maintained by a college or university that rank in the lowest one-third 
of such entities based on Federal research funds received (excepting 
monies received under The Fund).
    Funds awarded under this RFP may not be used for the construction 
of a new building or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or 
alteration of an existing building.

Part II. Program Description

A. Purpose of the Program

    The ability of rural Americans to access and use rural and 
agriculturally based information is critical to ensuring equal 
opportunity for economic growth. The purpose of the program is to 
examine ways to improve delivery of rural economic, community 
development and agricultural knowledge to rural communities in order to 
provide the same economic opportunity for those living in small towns 
and rural areas as for those living in cities.

B. Scope of the Program

    Proposals must address which purposes described in Section 1402 of 
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act 
of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3101) will be incorporated in the 
application of the proposed telecommunications. In Fiscal Year 1997, 
the Fund for Rural America--Rural Information Infrastructure Program 
will support projects in three program categories: (1) Rural 
Telecommunications Technologies and Systems; (2) Information 
Infrastructure; and (3) Human Capacity Building. Applicants must 
clearly state to which category they are applying; each proposal will 
be rated against other proposals in that category; and applicants may 
not submit identical proposals to more than one category.
1. Rural Telecommunications Technologies and Systems
    Applicants may submit a proposal in the Rural Telecommunications 
Technologies and Systems category to examine the special needs, 
limitations, applicability, and use of existing and cutting-edge 
telecommunications technologies and systems in rural America. Proposals 
in this category must clearly target the telecommunications 
infrastructure needs of rural citizens not currently connected to the 
National Information Infrastructure (NII) and must substantiate the 
choice of technology in relation to the needs of the rural citizens 
targeted by the project. Examples might include, but are not limited 
to, application of technology to solve the education needs of a 
particular community, or implementation of technology systems to link 
citizens to information, two-way interactive communications and/or 
formal or non-formal educational opportunities.
2. Information Infrastructure
    Applicants may submit a proposal in the Information Infrastructure 
category to examine ways to build the information infrastructure to 
further the education of rural Americans and to improve access to 
research and extension tools/sources. Proposals in this category must 
clearly target the development of the informative and educational 
content of the NII specifically relating to rural and agricultural 
research, education and extension. Proposals must seek to enhance the 
applicability and usefulness of this content to rural citizens. 
Examples include, but are not limited to, development of interactive 
non-formal and formal distance education opportunities and the 
digitization and organization of subject matter information for rural 
citizens.
3. Human Capacity Building
    Applicants may submit a proposal to the Human Capacity category to 
examine the interaction among people, technology, and knowledge. 
Proposals in this category must clearly target the human interface to 
technology, as well as to information and formal and non-formal 
education made available through telecommunications. Examples include, 
but are not limited to, development of new and more user friendly 
applications of the information and the technology and programs 
designed to remove barriers to adoption and use of technology by 
citizens of rural America.
    The Fund for Rural America--Rural Information Infrastructure 
Program will not fund the following types of projects:
    Hardware or Software Development Projects. While some hardware or 
software development may be required to implement a project, it may not 
be a major emphasis of any project.
    Internal Projects. While some internal training and infrastructure 
may be required to implement a project, this program will not support 
projects whose primary emphasis is on the internal education, 
technology, or information needs of an organization.
    Replacement or Upgrade of Existing Facilities. This program will 
not support any projects whose primary emphasis is the upgrade or 
replacement of existing facilities.
    Planning Projects. While planning is an appropriate and encouraged 
activity as a component of a project, this program will not support 
projects whose sole emphasis is on planning.

C. Proposal Narrative

    The narrative should contain the following sections set in the 
context of

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the category under which funding is requested:
1. Introduction
    Include a clear statement of the goal(s) and objective(s) of the 
project. The problem should be set within the context of work that has 
been previously done in the category applied for, as well as in the 
context of the present-day situation. Summarize the body of knowledge 
which substantiates the need for the proposed project. Preliminary 
information pertinent to the proposed work should also be cited.
2. Rationale and Significance
     Substantiate the need for the proposed project. Describe the 
impact of the project on the end user. Describe the project's specific 
relationship to the purposes of The Fund and to the identified need to 
be addressed.
3. Objectives and Approach
     Cite and discuss the specific objective(s) to be accomplished 
under the project. A detailed description of the approach must include:

 Techniques and/or procedures used to carry out the proposed 
activities and for accomplishing the objectives
 The results expected
 Limitations
 Time table
4. Evaluation
    Provide a plan for assessing and evaluating the accomplishments of 
the stated objectives during the conduct of the project and describe 
ways to determine the effectiveness of the end results upon conclusion 
of the project.
5. Relationship to Partners, Communities of Interest, Stakeholders, and 
End Users
    Describe how the project will involve partners and communities of 
interest. Describe how and by whom the focus and scope of the project 
were determined, how partners will be involved during the course of the 
project, and how end users will be impacted by results. Evidence must 
be provided via letters by the parties involved that arrangements 
necessary for collaborative partnerships have been discussed with the 
parties involved and can realistically be expected to come to fruition, 
or have actually been finalized contingent on an award under this 
program. A letter from a university must be signed by the dean or 
research director, a representative of the university's central 
administration, or a higher university official. A letter from a 
business or industry must be signed by an official who has the 
authority to commit the resources of the organization. Such letters 
should be placed immediately following the Project Narrative in the 
proposal.
6. Outreach and Dissemination Plan
    Clearly describe how results and information will be disseminated 
or transferred to end users, partners, communities of interest, and 
stakeholders.
7. Coordination and Management Plan
    Describe how the project will be coordinated among the various 
participants and clearly describe the nature of the collaborations. 
Describe plans for management of the project to ensure its proper and 
efficient administration.

Part III. Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials will be made available to eligible 
entities upon request. These materials include information about the 
purpose of the program, how the program will be conducted, and the 
required contents of a proposal, as well as the forms needed to prepare 
and submit grant applications under the program.
    To obtain application materials, please contact the Proposal 
Services Unit, Grants Management Branch; Office of Extramural Programs; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; 
Washington, D.C. 20250-2245; Telephone (202) 401-5048. When calling the 
Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you are requesting forms 
for The Fund for Rural America--Rural Information Infrastructure 
Program. These materials may also be requested via Internet by sending 
a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and phone number 
to [email protected] and state that you want a copy of the application 
materials for the Fiscal Year 1997 Fund for Rural America--
Telecommunications Program. The materials will then be mailed to you 
(not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.

B. Content of a Proposal

    A proposal should contain the following:
1. Cover Page
    Complete the ``Application for Funding'', Form CSREES-661, in its 
entirety.
    a. Note that providing a Social Security Number is voluntary, but 
the number is an integral part of the CSREES information system and 
will assist in the processing of the proposal.
    b. One copy of the ``Application for Funding'' form must contain 
the pen-and-ink signatures of the project director(s) and authorized 
organizational representative for the applicant organization.
    c. Note that by signing the ``Application for Funding'' form the 
applicant is providing the required certifications set forth in 7 CFR 
part 3017, as amended by 61 Federal Register 250, January 4, 1996, 
regarding Debarment and Suspension and Drug-Free Workplace, and 7 CFR 
part 3018, regarding Lobbying. The certification forms are included in 
the application package for informational purposes only. It is not 
necessary to submit the forms to USDA.
2. Table of Contents
    For ease in locating information, each proposal must contain a 
detailed Table of Contents immediately after Form CSREES-661, 
``Application for Funding.'' The Table of Contents should include page 
numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination should begin 
immediately following the Table of Contents.
3. Project Summary
    The proposal must contain a project summary of 250 words or less on 
a separate page. This page must include the title of the project and 
the names of the primary project director(s) and the applicant 
organization, followed by the summary. The summary should be self-
contained, and should describe the overall goals and relevance of the 
project. The summary should also contain a listing of all organizations 
involved in the project. The Project Summary should immediately follow 
the Table of Contents.
4. Application Category
    Each proposal must state the category under which funds are 
requested (1) Rural Telecommunications Technologies and Systems (2) 
Information Infrastructure; or (3) Building Human Capacity.
5. Project Narrative
    All proposals are to be submitted on standard 8.5'' x 11'' paper 
with typing on one side of the page only. In addition, margins must be 
at least one inch, type must be 12 characters per inch (12 pitch or 10 
point) or larger, no more than 6 lines per inch, and there should be no 
page reductions. If applicable, proposals should include original 
illustrations (photographs, color prints, etc.) in all copies of the 
proposal

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to prevent loss of meaning through poor quality reproduction. Such 
illustrations are not included in the page limitation for project 
narratives.
    The narrative portion of the proposal is limited to 20 pages of 
text and should contain the required information described under 
section (c) of Part II. Program Description.
6. Key Personnel
    Identify the primary project director and the co-project 
director(s) and other key personnel required for this project. Include 
vitae that provide adequate information so that proposal reviewers can 
make an informed judgment as to their capabilities and experience.
7. Conflict of Interest List
    A Conflict of Interest List must be provided for individuals 
identified as key personnel. Each list should be on a separate page and 
include alphabetically the full names of the individuals in the 
following categories: (1) All collaborators on projects within the past 
five years, including current and planned collaborations; (2) all co-
authors on publications within the past five years, including pending 
publications and submissions; (3) all persons in your field with whom 
you have had a consulting or financial arrangement within the past five 
years who would stand to gain by seeing the project funded; and (4) all 
thesis or postdoctoral advisees/advisors within the past five years.
8. Budget
    A. Budget Form: Prepare the budget, Form CSREES-55, in accordance 
with instructions provided with the form. A budget form is required for 
each year of requested support. In addition, a summary budget is 
required detailing the requested total support for the overall project 
period. The budget form may be reproduced as needed by applicants. 
Funds may be requested under any of the categories listed on the form, 
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is 
allowable under the authorizing legislation, the applicable Federal 
cost principles, and these program guidelines, and can be justified as 
necessary for the successful conduct of the proposed project.
    The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal 
budget(s):
    1. Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages are allowable charges and 
may be requested for personnel who will be working on the project in 
proportion to the time such personnel will devote to the project. If 
salary funds are requested, the number of Senior and Other Personnel 
and the number of CSREES Funded Work Months must be shown in the spaces 
provided. Grant funds may not be used to augment the total salary or 
rate of salary of project personnel or to reimburse them for time in 
addition to a regular full-time salary covering the same general period 
of employment.
    2. Fringe Benefits. Funds may be requested for fringe benefit costs 
if the usual accounting practices of your organization provide that 
organizational contributions to employee benefits (social security, 
retirement, etc.) be treated as direct costs. Fringe benefit costs may 
be included only for those personnel whose salaries are charged as a 
direct cost to the project.
    3. Nonexpendable Equipment. Nonexpendable equipment means tangible 
nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged 
directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an 
acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. As such, items of 
necessary instrumentation or other nonexpendable equipment should be 
listed individually by description and estimated cost and justified.
    In addition, pursuant to Section 716(b) of Pub. L. No. 104-180 (the 
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997), in the case of any 
equipment or product that may be authorized to be purchased with funds 
provided under this program, entities receiving such funds are 
encouraged to use such funds to purchase only American-made equipment 
or products.
    4. Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials and 
supplies which are required to carry out the project should be 
indicated in general terms with estimated costs.
    5. Travel. The type and extent of travel and its relationship to 
project objectives should be described briefly and justified. If 
foreign travel is proposed, the country to be visited, the specific 
purpose of the travel, a brief itinerary, inclusive dates of travel, 
and estimated cost must be provided for each trip. Airfare allowances 
normally will not exceed round-trip jet economy air accommodations. 
U.S. flag carriers must be used when available. See 7 CFR part 
3015.205(b)(4) for further guidance.
    6. Publication Costs/Page Charges. Anticipated costs of preparing 
and publishing results of the research being proposed (including page 
charges, necessary illustrations, and the cost of a reasonable number 
of coverless reprints) may be estimated and charged against the grant.
    7. Computer (ADPE) Costs. Reimbursement for the costs of using 
specialized facilities (such as a university- or department-controlled 
computer mainframe or data processing center) may be requested if such 
services are required for completion of the work.
    8. All Other Direct Costs. Anticipated direct project charges not 
included in other budget categories must be itemized with estimated 
costs and justified on a separate sheet of paper attached to Form 
CSREES-55. This also applies to revised budgets, as the item(s) and 
dollar amount(s) may change. Examples may include space rental at 
remote locations, subcontractual costs, and charges for consulting 
services. You are encouraged to consult the ``Instructions for 
Completing Form CSREES-55, Budget,'' of the Application Kit for 
detailed guidance relating to this budget category.
    9. Indirect Costs. If requested, the current rate negotiated with 
the cognizant Federal negotiating agency should be used. Indirect costs 
may not exceed the negotiated rate. If no rate has been negotiated, a 
reasonable dollar amount in lieu of indirect costs may be requested, 
which will be subject to approval by CSREES. In the latter case, if a 
proposal is recommended for funding, an indirect cost rate proposal 
must be submitted to support the amount of indirect costs requested. 
CSREES will request an indirect cost rate proposal and provide 
instructions, as necessary.
    In that grants supported by The Fund may include numerous 
activities other than traditional instruction or research, the 
institution may choose to request indirect costs rates that are lower 
than the institution approved negotiated research or instructional 
rate.
    Applications from colleges and universities that are not submitted 
through an Office of Sponsored Programs (or equivalent thereto) must 
provide a statement in the budget narrative verifying that the indirect 
costs requested are in accordance with institutional policies.
    B. Budget Narrative: All salaries and wages, nonexpendable 
equipment, foreign travel, subcontracts, and all other direct costs for 
which support is requested must be individually listed (with costs) and 
justified on a separate sheet of paper and placed immediately following 
the budget.
9. Current and Pending Support
    All proposals must contain Form CSREES-663 listing other current 
public or private support (including in-house support) to which key 
personnel

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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. NOTE: 
This proposal should be identified in the pending section of Form 
CSREES-663.
    10. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (CSREES regulations implementing 
NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed project is to be 
provided to CSREES so that CSREES may determine whether any further 
action is needed. In some cases, however, the preparation of 
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions 
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
    In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is 
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the 
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary; 
therefore, Form CSREES-1234, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must be included 
in the proposal indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion that 
the project falls within a categorical exclusion and the reasons 
therefor. If it is the applicant's opinion that the proposed project 
falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific exclusion must be 
identified. Form CSREES-1234 and supporting documentation should be 
included as the last page of the proposal.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an 
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if 
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other 
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause 
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.

Part IV. Submission of a Proposal

A. What to Submit

    An original and 15 copies must be submitted. Each copy of each 
proposal must be stapled 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

    Applications must be received by September 29, 1997. 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, STOP 
2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-2245, 
Telephone: (202) 401-5048

    Note: Hand-delivered proposals or those delivered by overnight 
express service should be brought 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, S.W.; Washington DC 20024. The telephone number is 
(202) 401-5048.

C. Acknowledgment of Proposals

    The receipt of all proposals will be acknowledged in writing and 
this acknowledgment will contain an identifying proposal number. Once 
your proposal has been assigned an identification number, that number 
should be cited in future correspondence.

Part V. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Selection Process

    Each proposal will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, each 
proposal will be screened to ensure it meets the requirements as set 
forth in this RFP. Proposals that meet these requirements will be 
technically evaluated. Each proposal will be judged on its own merits.

B. Technical Evaluation Criteria

    The review of applications submitted for funding consideration will 
consist of a technical evaluation conducted by CSREES using the 
competitive peer review process. Applications will receive a technical 
evaluation using the following criteria:
1. Merit
    Scientific, technical, or educational merit: Well defined problem; 
clearly defined objectives; appropriateness of approach, (including 
selection of proper approach to address systems, multifaceted, or 
multidisciplinary problems); demonstrated integration of components 
(such as research, education and extension components); degree of 
feasibility; soundness and effectiveness of management plan.
2. Quality
    Creativity and innovativeness in addressing problem and issues; 
selection of most appropriate and qualified individuals to address 
problem; competence and experience of personnel; effective utilization 
of knowledge base in addressing problem; potential to contribute 
solutions to stated problem; identified potential for technology 
transfer and information dissemination.
3. Relevance
    Proposal advances purposes of The Fund for Rural America; potential 
to contribute solutions to priority problems in agriculture; 
identification and involvement of stakeholders; involvement of 
communities of interest and stakeholders in the identification of 
problems set forth in proposal; partnership with those affected by the 
outcome.

C. Programmatic Relevance Review

    The National Agricultural Research, Education and Economics 
Advisory Board will review collective groups of recommended proposals 
(based on technical evaluation) to ensure the relevance of the work 
proposed for funding toward achieving the programmatic goals of The 
Fund.

Part VI. Supplementary Information

A. Access to Peer Review Information

    After final decisions have been announced, CSREES will, upon 
request, inform the project director of the reasons for its decision on 
a proposal. Copies of summary reviews, not including the identity of 
the reviewers, will be made available to respective project directors 
upon specific request.

B. Grant Awards

1. General
    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible 
applicants whose proposals are judged most meritorious in the announced 
program areas under the evaluation criteria and procedures set forth in 
this request for proposals. The date specified by the Administrator as 
the effective date of the grant shall be no later than September 30 of 
the Federal fiscal year in which the project

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is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, 
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project 
need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon 
thereafter as practicable so that project goals may be attained within 
the funded project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this 
request for proposals shall be expended solely for the purpose for 
which the funds are granted in accordance with the approved application 
and budget, these application guidelines, the terms and conditions of 
the award, the applicable Federal cost principles, and the Department's 
assistance regulations (parts 3015, 3016, and 3019 of 7 CFR).
2. 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 identified 
under these application guidelines if such information has not been 
provided previously under this or another program for which the 
sponsoring agency is responsible. Copies of forms recommended for use 
in fulfilling the requirements contained in this section will be 
provided by the sponsoring agency as part of the preaward process.
3. Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
    The grant award document shall include at a minimum the following:
    a. Legal name and address of performing organization or institution 
to whom the Administrator has awarded a grant under the terms of this 
request for proposals;
    b. Title of Project;
    c. Name(s) and address(es) of project director(s) chosen to direct 
and control approved activities;
    d. Identifying grant number assigned by the Department;
    e. Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department 
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for 
funds;
    f. Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by 
the Administrator during the project period;
    g. Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is awarded;
    h. Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to 
accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
    i. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to 
carry out its respective granting activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular grant.
    The notice of grant award, in the form of a letter, will be 
prepared and will provide pertinent instructions or information to the 
grantee that is not included in the grant award document.

C. Use of Funds; Changes

1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
    The grantee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to 
another person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use 
or expenditure of grant funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
    a. The permissible changes by the grantee, project director(s), or 
other key project personnel in the approved project grant shall be 
limited to changes in methodology, techniques, or other aspects of the 
project to expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the 
grantee and/or the project director(s) are uncertain as to whether a 
change complies with this provision, the question must be referred to 
the Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) for a final determination.
    b. Changes in approved goals, or objectives, shall be requested by 
the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes. In no event shall requests be approved for changes which are 
outside the scope of the original approved project.
    c. Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or 
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the 
grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes.
    d. Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic 
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether 
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the grantee 
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers.
    e. Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended by 
CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional 
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project. Any extension of time shall be 
conditioned upon prior request by the grantee and approval in writing 
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of 
a grant.
    f. Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to 
instituting such changes if the revision will:
    (1) Involve transfers of amounts budgeted for indirect costs to 
absorb an increase in direct costs;
    (2) Involve transfers of amounts budgeted for direct costs to 
accommodate changes in indirect cost rates negotiated during a budget 
period and not approved when a grant was awarded; or
    (3) Involve transfers or expenditures of amounts requiring prior 
approval as set forth in the applicable Federal cost principles, 
Departmental regulations, or in the grant award.

D. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

    Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
proposals considered for review and to project grants awarded under 
this program. These include but are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1.1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information 
Act.
    7 CFR part 1c--USDA implementation of the Federal Policy for the 
Protection of Human Subjects.
    7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129 
regarding debt collection.
    7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
    7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 
implementing OMB directives (i.e., Circular Nos. 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. No. 95-224), as 
well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of 
Departmental financial assistance.
    7 CFR part 3017, as amended by 61 FR 250, January 4, 1996--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 implementation of OMB Circular No. A-110, 
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit 
Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3051--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133 
regarding audits of institutions of

[[Page 41247]]

higher education and other nonprofit institutions.
    7 CFR part 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
    48 CFR part 31--Contract Cost Principles and Procedures of the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation.
    29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR 
part 15b (USDA implementation of statute)--prohibiting discrimination 
based upon physical or mental handicap in federally assisted programs.
    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).

E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

    When a proposal results in a grant, it becomes a part of the record 
of the Agency's transactions, available to the public upon specific 
request. Information that the Secretary determines to be of a 
privileged nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by 
law. Therefore, any information that the applicant wishes to have 
considered as privileged should be clearly marked as such and sent in a 
separate statement, two copies of which should accompany the proposal. 
The original copy of a proposal that does not result in a grant will be 
retained by the Agency for a period of one year. Other copies will be 
destroyed. Such a proposal will be released only with the consent of 
the applicant or to the extent required by law. A proposal may be 
withdrawn at any time prior to the final action thereon.

    Done at Washington, D.C., on this 25th day of July 1997.
Colien Hefferan,
Associate Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 97-20236 Filed 7-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P