[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 24, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67258-67265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-33588]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Utilities Service
Farm Service Agency
7 CFR Part 2003
Functional Organization of the Rural Development Mission Area
AGENCIES: Rural Housing Service; Rural Business-Cooperative Service;
Rural Utilities Service; Farm Service Agency; USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The issuing agencies amend their regulations to reflect the
reorganization of the Department of Agriculture. The intended effect of
this action is to provide efficient utilization of Department personnel
resources. This publication provides the function statements for
organizational units within the Rural Development mission area, the
Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the
Rural Utilities Service.
[[Page 67259]]
EFFECTIVE DATE: December 24, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy J. Ryan, Assistant
Administrator for Human Resources, Rural Development, STOP 0730, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0730; Telephone: (202)
690-9860.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Classification
This action is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order
12866 since it involves only internal Agency management and has no
impact on borrowers or other members of the public. This action is not
published for proposed rulemaking because it involves only internal
Agency management and publication for comment is unnecessary and
contrary to the public interest.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Pub.
L. 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal
governments, and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, the
agencies generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal
mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local, or tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100
million or more in any one year. When such a statement is needed for a
rule, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the agencies to
identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives
and adopt the least burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives
of the rule.
This rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory
provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local, and tribal
governments, or the private sector. Thus, the rule is not subject to
the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.
Intergovernmental Consultation
These programs and activities are not subject to the provisions of
Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation
with State and local officials.
Environmental Impact Statement
This final action has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part
1940, subpart G, ``Environmental Program.'' Rural Development has
determined that this final action does not constitute a major Federal
action significantly affecting the quality of human environment, and,
in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Pub.
L. 91-190, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.
Background
The Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) was abolished by the
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (1994 Act). The
Office of the Assistant Administrator, Farmer Programs, and all its
subordinate organizational units have been transferred to the Farm
Service Agency (FSA). The remainder of the FmHA organizational units
have been transferred in accordance with the 1994 Act to one of the
following newly created agencies which make up the Rural Development
mission area (Rural Development): the Rural Housing Service, the Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service. The
Rural Utilities Service also includes the organizational units of the
former Rural Electrification Administration.
This rule adopts the organizational structure put into place
following enactment of the 1994 Act on October 13, 1994. The rule only
covers the Rural Development agencies. The functions and
responsibilities delegated by the Under Secretary, Rural Development,
to the Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and
Rural Utilities Service, are published in 7 CFR part 2, subpart G,
Secs. 2.47 through 2.49.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 2003
Organizations and functions (government agencies).
Therefore, chapter XVIII, title 7, Code of Federal Regulations is
amended as follows:
PART 2003--ORGANIZATION
1. The authority citation for part 2003 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 7 U.S.C. 1989, 7
U.S.C. 6941 et seq, 42 U.S.C. 1480, et seq.
2. Subpart A of part 2003 is revised to read as follows:
Subpart A--Functional Organization of the Rural Development Mission
Area
Sec.
2003.1 Definitions.
2003.2 General.
2003.3 [Reserved]
2003.4 [Reserved]
2003.5 Headquarters organization.
2003.6 Office of the Under Secretary.
2003.7-2003.9 [Reserved]
2003.10 Rural Development State Offices.
2003.11-2003.13 [Reserved]
2003.14 Field Offices.
2003.15-2003.16 [Reserved]
2003.17 Availability of information.
2003.18 Functional organization of RHS.
2003.19-2003.21 [Reserved]
2003.22 Functional organization of RUS.
2003.23-2003.25 [Reserved]
2003.26 Functional organization of the RBS.
2003.27-2003.50 [Reserved]
Sec. 2003.1 Definitions.
EEO--the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, 42 U.S.C.
Sec. 2000e et seq.
O&M--Operations and Management.
P&P--Policy and Planning.
RBS--Rural Business-Cooperative Development Service, USDA, or any
successor agency.
RHS--Rural Housing Service, USDA, or any successor agency.
RTB--Rural Telephone Bank authorized by 7 U.S.C. 944.
Rural Development--Rural Development mission area of USDA.
RUS--Rural Utilities Service, USDA, or any successor agency.
Secretary--the Secretary of USDA.
USDA--the United States Department of Agriculture.
Sec. 2003.2 General.
The Rural Development mission area of the Department of Agriculture
was established as a result of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994, Title II of Pub.L. 103-354. Rural
Development's basic organization consists of Headquarters in
Washington, D.C. and 47 State Offices. Headquarters maintains overall
planning, coordination, and control of Rural Development agency
programs. Administrators head RHS, RBS, and RUS under the direction of
the Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors head the
State Offices and are directly responsible to the Under Secretary for
the execution of all Rural Development agency programs within the
boundaries of their states.
Sec. 2003.3-2003.4 [Reserved]
Sec. 2003.5 Headquarters organization.
(a) The Rural Development Headquarters is comprised of:
(1) The Office of the Under Secretary;
(2) Two Deputy Under Secretaries; and,
3) Three Administrators and their staffs.
(b) The Rural Development Headquarters is located at 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. 20250-0700
Sec. 2003.6 Office of the Under Secretary.
In accordance with 7 CFR Sec. 2.17 the Secretary has delegated to
the Under Secretary, Rural Development, authority
[[Page 67260]]
to manage and administer programs and support functions of the Rural
Development mission area.
(a) Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for P&P. This office is
headed by the Deputy Under Secretary for P&P. The Under Secretary,
Rural Development, has delegated to the Deputy Under Secretary for P&P,
responsibility for formulation and development of short-and long-range
rural development policies of the Department in accordance with 7 CFR
Sec. 2.45. The Deputy Under Secretary for P&P reports directly to the
Under Secretary, Rural Development, and provides guidance and
supervision for research, policy analysis and development, strategic
planning, partnerships and special initiatives. For budget and
accounting purposes, all of the staff offices under the Deputy Under
Secretary for P&P are housed in RBS.
(1) The Budget Analysis Division assesses potential impacts of
alternative policies on the mission area's programs and operations and
develops recommendations for change. The units are headed by the Chief
Budget Officer, who individually serves as the top policy advisor to
the Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary on all matters relating
to mission area budget policy.
(2) The Research, Analysis and Information Division analyzes
information on rural conditions and the strategies and techniques for
promoting rural development. The division performs, or arranges to have
conducted, short-term and major research studies needed to formulate
policy.
(3) The Reinvention and Capacity Building Division coordinates the
mission area's strategic planning initiatives, both at the National
level and in the State Offices. The division assists the Rural
Development agencies in their implementation of the Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and special initiatives of the
Administration, USDA, and the Office of the Under Secretary.
(4) The Rural Initiatives and Partnership Division manages the
mission area's involvement and coordination with other Federal and
state departments and agencies to assess rural issues and develop model
partnerships and initiatives to achieve shared rural development goals.
The division is responsible for managing the National Rural Development
Partnership and providing support and oversight of 37 State Rural
Development Councils.
(b) Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for O&M. In accordance
with 7 CFR 2.45, the Under Secretary, Rural Development, has delegated
to the Deputy Under Secretary for O&M responsibility for providing
leadership in planning, developing, and administering overall
administrative management program policies and operational activities
of the Rural Development mission area. The Deputy Under Secretary for
O&M reports directly to the Under Secretary, Rural Development.
(1) Office of the Deputy Administrator for O&M. Headed by the
Deputy Administrator for O&M, this office reports directly to the
Deputy Under Secretary for O&M, and is responsible for directing and
coordinating the consolidated administrative and financial management
functions for Rural Development. This office provides overall guidance
and supervision for budget and financial management, human resources
management and personnel services, administrative and procurement
services, information resources management and automated data systems.
For budget and accounting purposes, all of the staff offices under the
Deputy Administrator for O&M are housed in RHS.
(i) Office of the Controller. Headed by the Chief Financial
Officer, this office supports the Deputy Administrator for O&M in
executing Rural Development requirements related to compliance with the
Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 and provides leadership,
coordination, and oversight of all financial management matters and
financial execution of the budget for the Rural Development agencies.
This office also has full responsibility for Rural Development
agencies' accounting, financial, reporting, and internal controls. The
office provides direct oversight to the Headquarters Budget Division,
Financial Management Division, and the Office of the Assistant
Controller, located in St. Louis, Missouri.
(ii) Office of Assistant Administrator for Procurement and
Administrative Services. Headed by the Assistant Administrator for
Procurement and Administrative Services, this office is responsible to
the Deputy Administrator for O&M for overseeing the Procurement
Management Division, the Property and Supply Management Division, and
the Support Services Division:
(A) The Procurement Management Division is responsible for
developing, implementing, and interpreting procurement and contracting
policies for the Rural Development mission area. Major functions
include planning outreach efforts and goals for small and disadvantaged
businesses, providing staff assistance reviews in State and Local
Offices, administering the Contracting Officer Professionalism Warrant
program for Rural Development agencies, and coordinating the
development of Rural Development's acquisition plans.
(B) The Property and Supply Management Division is responsible for
developing office space acquisition and utilization policies, providing
training to field office leasing officers, administering the Leasing
Officer Warrant program, assuring accessibility compliance in Rural
Development's work sites, administering Rural Development's Physical
Security program, and establishing and providing oversight to the
worksite Energy Conservation program. This office operates a nationwide
supply warehousing and distribution program, and oversees a nationwide
Personal Property Management and Utilization Program, manages the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Excess Personal Property Program for
field level activities, and provides direct support services to Rural
Development's St. Louis facilities.
(C) The Support Services Division has responsibility for designing,
developing, administering, and controlling Rural Development's
directives management and issuance system, coordinating Rural
Development's Regulatory Agenda and Regulatory Program submissions to
USDA and OMB, serving as Federal Register liaison, and analyzing and
coordinating regulatory work plans for the Under Secretary. This office
submits Paperwork Reduction Act public burden clearances to OMB,
administers all printing programs, manages Rural Development travel
policies and programs, and manages Freedom of Information Act, Privacy
Act and Tort Claims programs.
(iii) Office of Information Resources Management (IRM). Headed by
the Chief Information Officer, this office is responsible to the Deputy
Administrator for O&M for developing Rural Development's IRM policies,
regulations, standards and guidelines. This office provides overall
leadership and direction to activities assigned to the following four
major divisions:
(A) The Customer Services Division is responsible for direct
customer and technical support (hardware and software).
(B) The Management Services Division coordinates all IRM
acquisition, budget, and policy and planning activities in support of
Rural Development automation.
(C) The Information Technology Division provides support technical
[[Page 67261]]
services in the areas of data administration, system integrity
management, research and development, and telecommunications.
(D) The Systems Services Division is responsible for planning,
directing, and controlling activities related to Rural Development's
Automated Information Systems.
(iv) Office of the Assistant Administrator for Human Resources.
Headed by the Assistant Administrator for Human Resources, this office
is responsible to the Deputy Administrator for O&M for the overall
development, implementation, and management, of personnel and human
resources support services for Rural Development. The office provides
direction to the Headquarters Personnel Services, Human Resources
Training and Mission Area Personnel Services Division, and Labor
Relations Staff offices. The office is also responsible for the
establishment of recruitment, retention, and development policies and
programs supporting workforce diversity and affirmative action.
(2) Office of Civil Rights Staff. Headed by a staff director, this
staff has primary responsibility for providing leadership and
administration of the Civil Rights Program for the Rural Development
mission area. The staff conducts on-site reviews of borrowers and
beneficiaries of Federal financial assistance to ensure compliance with
Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and prepares
compliance reports. The staff conducts and evaluates Title VII
compliance visits to insure that EEO programs are adequately
implemented. In addition, the office develops, monitors, and evaluates
Affirmative Employment programs for minorities, women and persons with
disabilities, and coordinates and conducts community outreach
activities at historically black colleges and universities. It also has
oversight of special emphasis programs such as the Federal Women's
Program, Hispanic Emphasis Program, and Black Emphasis Program. The
staff director reports directly to the Deputy Under Secretary for O&M.
(3) Office of Communications. Headed by a director who reports
directly to the Deputy Under Secretary for O&M, this office has primary
responsibility for tracking legislation and development and institution
of policies to provide public communication and information services
related to the Rural Development. The office maintains a constituent
data base and conducts minority outreach efforts and administers a
public information and media center responsible for media inquiries,
news releases, program announcements, media advisories, and information
retrieval. This office also serves as a liaison with Office of
Congressional Relations (OCR), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), and
other Departmental units involved in Congressional relations and public
information. This office drafts testimony, prepares witnesses, and
provides staff for hearings and markups. In addition, the office briefs
Congressional members and staff on the Rural Development matters,
coordinates Rural Development's legislative activities with other USDA
agencies and OMB and develops and implements legislative strategy. The
staff also coordinates development and production of brochures, press
releases, and other public information materials.
Secs. 2003.7--2003.9 [Reserved]
Sec. 2003.10 Rural Development State Offices.
(a) Headed by State Directors, State Offices report directly to the
Under Secretary, Rural Development, and are responsible to the three
Rural Development agency Administrators for carrying out agency program
operations at the State level, ensuring adherence to program plans
approved for the State by the Under Secretary, and rendering staff
advisory and manpower support to Area and Local offices. The Rural
Development State Directors, for budget and accounting purposes, are
housed in the RHS agency.
(b) Program Directors within the State Office provide oversight and
leadership on major program functions. Major program functions include:
Single Family and Multi-Family Housing loans and grants, Community
Facility, Water and Waste Disposal, Business and Cooperative, and the
Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities (EZ/EC) programs.
(c) The USDA Rural Development State Office locations are as
follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Location
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Alabama................................... Montgomery, AL
Alaska.................................... Palmer, AK
Arizona................................... Phoenix, AZ
Arkansas.................................. Little Rock, AR
California................................ Woodland, CA
Colorado.................................. Lakewood, CO
Delaware.................................. Camden, DE
Florida................................... Gainesville, FL
Georgia................................... Athens, GA
Hawaii.................................... Hilo, HI
Idaho..................................... Boise, ID
Illinois.................................. Champaign, IL
Indiana................................... Indianapolis, IN
Iowa...................................... Des Moines, IA
Kansas.................................... Topeka, KS
Kentucky.................................. Lexington, KY
Louisiana................................. Alexandria, LA
Maine..................................... Bangor, ME
Massachusetts............................. Amherst, MA
Michigan.................................. East Lansing, MI
Minnesota................................. St. Paul, MN
Mississippi............................... Jackson, MS
Missouri.................................. Columbia, MO
Montana................................... Bozeman, MT
Nebraska.................................. Lincoln, NE
Nevada.................................... Carson City, NV
New Jersey................................ Mt. Holly, NJ
New Mexico................................ Albuquerque, NM
New York.................................. Syracuse, NY
North Carolina............................ Raleigh, NC
North Dakota.............................. Bismarck, ND
Ohio...................................... Columbus, OH
Oklahoma.................................. Stillwater, OK
Oregon.................................... Portland, OR
Pennsylvania.............................. Harrisburg, PA
Puerto Rico............................... Hato Rey, PR
South Carolina............................ Columbia, SC
South Dakota.............................. Huron, SD
Tennessee................................. Nashville, TN
Texas..................................... Austin, TX
Vermont................................... Montpelier, VT
Virginia.................................. Richmond, VA
Washington................................ Olympia, WA
West Virginia............................. Charleston, WV
Wisconsin................................. Stevens Point, WI
Wyoming................................... Casper, WY
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Secs. 2003.11-2003.13 [Reserved]
Sec. 2003.14 Field Offices.
Rural Development field offices report to their respective State
Director and State Office Program Directors. State Directors may
organizationally structure their offices based on the program workloads
within their respective State. Field offices generally are patterned in
a three or two tier program delivery structure. In a three tier system,
Local offices report to an Area office, that reports to the State
Office. In a two tier system, a ``Local'' or ``Area'' office reports to
the State Office. Locations and telephone numbers of Area and Local
Offices may be obtained from the appropriate Rural Development State
Office.
Secs. 2003.15--2003.16 [Reserved]
Sec. 2003.17 Availability of information.
Information concerning Rural Development programs and agencies may
be obtained from the Office of Communications, Rural Development, U. S.
Department of Agriculture, STOP 0705, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-0705.
Sec. 2003.18 Functional organization of RHS.
(a) General. The Secretary established RHS pursuant to Sec. 233 of
the Department of Agriculture
[[Page 67262]]
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6943).
(b) Office of the Administrator. According to 7 CFR 2.49, the
Administrator has responsibility for implementing programs aimed at
delivering loans and grant assistance to rural Americans and their
communities in obtaining adequate and affordable housing and community
facilities, in accordance with Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42
U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.).
(1) Legislative Affairs Staff. The duties and responsibilities of
this staff have now been aligned under the Office of Communication,
headed by a director who reports directly to the Under Secretary for
O&M. The Office of Communication is responsible for providing and
carrying out legislative, public communication, and information
services for the Rural Development mission area.
(2) Office of Program Support Staff. The Program Support Staff is
headed by a staff director who is responsible to the Administrator for
monitoring managerial and technical effectiveness of RHS programs. The
staff coordinates review and analysis of legislation, Executive Orders,
OMB circulars, and Department regulations for their impact on Agency
programs. The staff develops, implements, and reports on architectural
and environmental policies, in cooperation with the Department. Staff
responsibilities also include managing RHS's Hazardous Waste Management
Fund, coordinating the Debarment and Suspension process for RHS,
tracking the use of Program Loan Cost Expense funds, and maintaining
the RHS Internet ``Home Page.''
(3) Office of Deputy Administrator, Single Family Housing. Headed
by the Deputy Administrator, Single Family Housing, this office is
responsible to the Administrator for the development and implementation
of RHS's Single Family Housing programs, which extend supervised
housing credit to rural people of limited resources, for adequate,
modest, decent, safe, and sanitary homes. The office is responsible for
administering and managing sections 502 and 504 Rural Housing direct
and guaranteed loan and grant programs, Rural Housing and Self-Help
Site loans, the Self-Help Technical Assistance grant program, Housing
Application Packaging and Technical and Supervisory Assistance grants,
and Home Improvement and Repaid loans and grants. The office directs
the following three divisions: Single Family Housing Processing
Division, Single Family Housing Servicing and Property Management
Division, and Single Family Housing Centralized Servicing Center in St.
Louis, Mo.
(i) Office of Single Family Housing Processing Division. Headed by
a division director, this division is responsible for development and
nationwide implementation of policies on processing Single Family
Housing direct and guaranteed program loans. In addition, the division
provides direction on the following: the Rural Housing Targeted Area
Set-Aside program, debarments, payment assistance, title clearance and
loan closing, site/subdivision development, Deferred Mortgage Payment
Program; construction defects, credit reports, appraisals, Manufactured
Housing, coordinated assessment reviews, Home Buyer's Counseling/
Education Program, and allocation of loan and grant program funds.
(ii) Office of Single Family Housing Servicing and Property
Management Division. Headed by a division director, this division is
responsible for the development and implementation of nationwide
policies for servicing RHS's multi-billion dollar portfolio of Single
Family Housing loans, and managing and selling Single Family Housing
inventory properties. The division also conducts state program
evaluations, identifies program weaknesses, makes recommendations for
improvements, and identifies corrective actions.
(iii) Office of Single Family Housing Centralized Servicing Center
(CSC)--St. Louis, Missouri. Headed by a director, CSC is responsible
for centrally servicing RHS's multi-billion dollar portfolio of Single
Family Housing loans. CSC provides interest credit or payment
assistance renewals, performs escrow activities for real estate taxes
and property hazard insurance, oversees collection of loan payments,
and grants interest credit, payment assistance, and moratoria.
(4) Office of the Deputy Administrator, Multi-Family Housing
Division. Headed by the Deputy Administrator, Multi-Family Housing,
this office is responsible for the development and nationwide
implementation of RHS's Multi-Family Housing programs, which extend
supervised housing credit to rural residents an opportunity to have
decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing. The following programs are
administered and managed by this office: Section 515 Rural Rental
Housing, Rural Cooperative and Congregate Housing Programs, Section 521
Rental Assistance, Farm Labor Housing loan and grant programs, Housing
Preservation Grants, rural housing vouchers, and Housing Application
Packaging Grants. This office directs the following two divisions:
(i) Multi-Family Housing Processing Division. Headed by a division
director, this division is responsible for the development and
nationwide implementation of policies on processing Multi-Family
Housing program loans. The division manages the following program
areas: elderly and family rental housing, Farm Labor Housing loans and
grants, outreach contacts, congregate facilities, Housing Preservation
Grants, cooperative housing, rural housing vouchers, appraisals,
Congregate Housing Services Grants, Rental Assistance, Housing
Application Packaging Grants, targeted area and nonprofit set asides,
Multi-Family Housing suspensions and debarments, title clearance and
loan closing, allocation and monitoring of loan and grant funds,
adverse decisions and appeals, commercial credit reports, individual
credit reports, and, site development.
(ii) Multi-Family Housing Portfolio Management Division. Headed by
a division director, this division is responsible for the development
and institution of policies on the management and servicing of the
nationwide Multi-Family Housing programs. The Division implements
current and long range plans for servicing Rural Rental Housing loans,
Labor Housing loans and grants, and Rental Assistance or similar tenant
subsidies.
(5) Office of the Deputy Administrator, Community Programs. Headed
by the Deputy Administrator, Community Programs, this office is
responsible for overseeing the administration and management of
Community Facilities loans and grants to hospitals and nursing homes,
police and fire stations, libraries, schools, adult and child care
centers, etc. The office monitors and evaluates the administration of
loan and grant programs on a nationwide basis and provides guidance and
direction for community programs through two divisions, Community
Programs Loan Processing Division and Servicing and Special Authorities
Division.
(i) Community Programs Loan Processing Division. Headed by a
director, this division is responsible for the overall administration,
policy development, fund distribution, and processing of Community
Facilities loans and other loan and grant programs assigned to the
Division.
(ii) Servicing and Special Authorities Division. Headed by a
division director,
[[Page 67263]]
this division is responsible for the overall administration, policy
development, and servicing of the Community Facilities loan and grant
programs. The division conducts program evaluations, identifies program
weaknesses, makes recommendations for improvements, and identifies
corrective actions. The division also administers and services
Nonprofit National Corporation loans and grants.
Secs. 2003.19--2003.21 [Reserved]
Sec. 2003.22 Functional organization of RUS.
(a) General. The Secretary established RUS pursuant to Sec. 232 of
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6942).
(b) Office of the Administrator. According to 7 CFR 2.47, the
Administrator has responsibility for managing and administering the
programs and support functions of RUS to provide financial and
technical support for rural infrastructure to include electrification,
clean drinking water, telecommunications, and water disposal systems,
pursuant to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended
(7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.), and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.). The office develops and implements
strategic plans concerning the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as
amended. The Administrator serves as Governor of the Rural Telephone
Bank (RTB) with a 13-member board of directors, and exercises and
performs all functions, powers, and duties of the RTB in accordance
with 7 U.S.C. 944.
(1) Borrower and Program Support Services. Borrower and Program
Support Services consist of the three following staffs which are
responsible to the Administrator for planning and carrying out a
variety of program and administrative services in support of all RUS
programs, and providing expert advice and coordination for the
Administrator:
(i) Administrative Liaison Staff. Headed by a staff director, this
staff advises the Administrator on management issues and policies
relating to human resources, EEO, labor-management partnership,
administrative services, travel management, automated information
systems, and administrative budgeting and funds control.
(ii) Program Accounting Services Division. Headed by a division
director, this division develops and evaluates the accounting systems
and procedures of Electric, Telecommunications, and Water and
Wastewater borrowers; assures that accounting policies, systems, and
procedures meet regulatory, Departmental, General Accounting Office,
OMB, and Treasury Department requirements; examines borrowers' records
and operations, and reviews expenditures of loans and other funds;
develops audit requirements; and approves Certified Public Accountants
to perform audits of borrowers.
(iii) Program and Financial Services Staff. Headed by a staff
director, this staff evaluates the financial conditions of troubled
borrowers, negotiates settlements of delinquent loans, and makes
recommendations to program Assistant Administrators on ways to improve
the financial health of borrowers.
(2) Office of Assistant Administrator--Electric Program. Headed by
the Assistant Administrator--Electric Program, this office is
responsible to the Administrator for directing and coordinating the
Rural Electrification program of RUS nationwide. This office develops,
maintains, and implements regulations and program procedures on
processing and approving loans and loan-related activities for rural
electric borrowers. The office directs the following three divisions:
(i) Electric Regional Divisions. Headed by division directors,
these two divisions are responsible for administering the Rural
Electrification program in specific geographic areas and serving as the
single point of contact for all distribution borrowers. The divisions
provide guidance to borrowers on RUS loan policies and procedures,
maintain oversight of borrower rate actions, and make recommendations
to the Administrator on borrower applications for RUS financing. The
divisions also assure that power plant, distribution, and transmission
systems and facilities are designed and constructed in accordance with
the terms of the loan and proper engineering practices and
specifications.
(ii) Power Supply Division. Headed by a division director, this
division is responsible for administering the Rural Electrification
program responsibilities with regard to power supply borrowers
nationwide and serves as primary point of contact between RUS and all
such borrowers. The division develops and maintains a loan processing
program for Rural Electrification Act purposes, and develops and
administers engineering and construction policies related to planning,
design, construction, operation, and maintenance for power supply
borrowers.
(iii) Electric Staff Division. Headed by a division director, this
division is responsible for engineering activities related to the
design, construction, and technical operations and maintenance of power
plants; distribution of power; and transmission systems and facilities,
including load management and communications. The division develops
criteria and techniques for evaluating the financing and performance of
electric borrowers and forecasting borrowers' future power needs; and
maintains financial expertise on the distribution and power supply loan
program, and retail and wholesale rates.
(3) Office of Assistant Administrator--Telecommunications Program.
Headed by the Assistant Administrator--Telecommunications Program, this
office is responsible to the Administrator for directing and
coordinating the National Rural Telecommunications, Distance Learning,
and Telemedicine programs of RUS. The Assistant Administrator,
Telecommunications Program, serves as Assistant Governor of the RTB and
is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the RTB. The office
develops, maintains, and implements regulations and program procedures
on the processing and approval of grants, loans, and loan-related
activities for all rural telecommunications borrowers and grant
recipients. The office directs the following three divisions:
(i) Telecommunications Standards Division. Headed by a division
director, this division is responsible for engineering staff activities
related to the design, construction, and technical operation and
maintenance of rural telecommunications systems and facilities. The
office develops engineering practices, policies, and technical data
related to borrowers' telecommunications systems; and evaluates the
application of new communications network technology, including
distance learning and telemedicine, to rural telecommunications
systems.
(ii) Advanced Telecommunications Services Staff. Headed by a staff
director, this staff primarily serves the Assistant Administrator,
Telecommunications Program in the role of the Assistant Governor of the
RTB. The office performs analyses and makes recommendations to the AAT
on issues raised by the RTB Governor, Board of Directors, or RTB
borrowers. This staff maintains official records for the RTB Board and
prepares minutes of RTB Board meetings. The staff director serves as
the Assistant Secretary to the RTB. The staff performs the calculations
necessary to determine the cost of money rate to RTB borrowers and
recommends and develops program-
[[Page 67264]]
wide procedures for loan and grant programs. The office is responsible
for the Telecommunications Program's home page on the Internet.
(iii) Telecommunications Area Offices. Headed by area directors,
these four offices are responsible for administering the
Telecommunications, Distance Learning, and Telemedicine programs for
specific geographic areas, and serving as the single point of contact
for all program applicants and borrowers within their respective areas.
The offices provide guidance to applicants and borrowers on RUS and RTB
loan policies and procedures, and make recommendations to the
Administrator on applications for loans, guarantees, and grants. The
offices assure that borrower systems and facilities are designed and
constructed in accordance with the terms of the loan, acceptable
engineering practices and specifications, and acceptable loan security
standards.
(4) Office of the Assistant Administrator--Water and Environmental
Programs. Headed by the Assistant Administrator, Water and
Environmental Programs, this office is responsible to the Administrator
for directing and coordinating a nationwide Water and Waste Disposal
Program for RUS as authorized under Section 306 of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1926). The office
oversees administration of RUS policies on making and servicing loans
and grants for water and waste facilities in rural America, and the
development of engineering policies, and practices related to the
construction and operation of community water and waste disposal
systems. This office is responsible for development and coordination of
environmental programs with regard to the Water and Waste Disposal
Program and directs the following two divisions:
(i) Water Programs Division. Headed by the division director, this
division is responsible for administering the Water and Waste Disposal
loan and grant making and servicing and special authorities activities
nationwide. This office also makes allocation of loan and grant funds
to field offices and manages National Office reserves.
(ii) Engineering and Environmental Staff. Headed by a staff
director, this staff is responsible for engineering activities at all
stages of program implementation, including: review of preliminary
engineering plans and specifications, procurement practices, contract
awards, construction monitoring, and system operation and maintenance.
The staff also develops Agency engineering practices, policies, and
technical data related to the construction and operation of community
water and waste disposal systems. The staff is responsible for
coordinating environmental policy and providing technical support in
areas such as: hazardous waste, debarment and suspension, flood
insurance, drug free workplace requirements, and computer program
software.
Secs. 2003.23--2003.25 [Reserved]
Sec. 2003.26 Functional organization of RBS.
(a) General. The Secretary established RBS pursuant to Sec. 234 of
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6944).
(b) Office of the Administrator. According to 7 CFR 2.48, the
Administrator is responsible for managing and administering the
programs and support functions of RBS to provide assistance to
disadvantaged communities through grants and loans and technical
assistance to businesses and communities for rural citizens and
cooperatives, pursuant to the following authorities: the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 940c and 950aa et
seq.), the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921
et seq.), the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451-457), the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), and the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1932). These grants, loans, and
technical assistance improve community welfare by enhancing
organizational and management skills, developing effective economic
strategies, and expanding markets for a wide range of rural products
and services.
(1) Resources Coordination Staff. Headed by the staff director,
this staff is responsible to the Administrator for preparing
legislative initiatives and modifications for program enhancement. The
staff monitors legislative and regulatory proposals that potentially
impact RBS functions. The staff serves as liaison on budgetary and
financial management matters between RBS staff and the Office of the
Controller, and assists the Administrator in presenting and supporting
RBS's budget and program plans. The staff also advises the
Administrator and RBS officials on management issues and policies
related to: human resources, labor relations, civil rights, EEO, space,
equipment, travel, Senior Executive Service and Schedule C activities,
contracting, automated information systems, and accounting. The staff
provides analysis and recommendations on the effectiveness of
administrative and management activities, and performs liaison
functions between RBS and the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for
O&M on a wide variety of administrative functions.
(2) Office of the Deputy Administrator, Business Programs. Headed
by the Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, this office is
responsible to the Administrator for overseeing and coordinating the
Business and Industry Guaranteed and Direct Loan programs, Intermediary
Relending Program loans, Rural Business Enterprise grants, Rural
Business Opportunity grants, Rural Economic Development loan and grant
programs, and the Rural Venture Capital Demonstration Program. The
office participates in policy planning, and program development and
evaluation. It also directs the following three divisions:
(i) Processing Division. Headed by the division director, this
division is responsible for developing and maintaining loan processing
regulations, and directs the processing and approval of guaranteed and
direct business and industry loans, and the Rural Venture Capital
Demonstration Program. It provides technical assistance to field
employees and borrowers on loan processing and develops approval
criteria and performance standards for loans. The division recommends
plans, programs, and activities related to business loan programs and
provides environmental guidance and support.
(ii) Servicing Division. Headed by the division director, this
office is responsible for developing and maintaining servicing
regulations. It directs and provides technical assistance to field
employees and borrowers on servicing business loans and grants. The
division reviews large, complex, or potentially controversial loan and
grant dockets related to loan servicing and recommends servicing plans,
programs, and activities related to business loan and grant programs.
(iii) Specialty Lenders Division. Headed by the division director,
this office is responsible for directing and developing and maintaining
regulations concerning the processing and approval of Intermediary
Relending loans, Rural Business Enterprise grants, Rural Business
Opportunity grants, and Rural Economic Development loan and grant
programs. The division provides technical assistance to field employees
and borrowers on loan and grant processing and other activities. It
also develops approval criteria and performance standards and
recommends
[[Page 67265]]
plans, programs, and activities related to business loan and grant
programs.
(3) Office of the Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Services
Programs. Headed by the Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Services
Programs, this office is responsible to the Administrator for providing
service to cooperative associations by administering a program of
research and analysis of economic, social, legal, financial, and other
related issues concerning cooperatives. The office administers programs
to assist cooperatives in the organization and management of their
associations and a program for economic research and analysis of the
marketing aspects of cooperatives. The division administers and
monitors activities of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center
and the Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas Program, and the
Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program. The office directs the
following three divisions:
(i) Cooperative Marketing Division. Headed by the division
director, this division is responsible for participating in the
formulation of National policies and procedures on cooperative
marketing. The division conducts research and analysis and gives
technical assistance to farmer cooperatives on cooperative marketing of
certain crops, livestock, aquaculture, forestry, poultry, semen, milk,
and dairy products to improve their market performance and economic
position.
(ii) Cooperative Development Division. Headed by the division
director, this division is responsible for participating in the
formulation of National policies and procedures on cooperative
development. The office conducts evaluations and analysis of proposed
new cooperatives to develop plans for implementing feasible operations,
and advises and assists rural resident groups and developing
cooperatives in implementing sound business plans for new cooperatives.
It provides research, analysis, and technical assistance to rural
residents on cooperative development initiatives and strategies to
improve economic conditions through cooperative efforts.
(iii) Cooperative Resource Management Division. Headed by the
division director, this division is responsible for participating in
the formulating of National policies and procedures on cooperative
resource management. The division conducts research and analysis and
gives technical assistance to cooperatives on their overall structure,
strategic management and planning, financial issues, and operational
characteristics to improve their use of resources, financial policies,
and ability to adapt to market conditions. The division conducts
research and analysis of policy, taxation, Federal laws, State
statutes, and common laws that apply to cooperative incorporation,
structure, and operation to assist cooperatives in meeting legal
requirements.
(4) Office of the Deputy Administrator, Community Development.
Headed by the Deputy Administrator, Community Development, this office
is responsible to the Under Secretary, Rural Development, for
coordinating and overseeing all functions in the Community Outreach and
Empowerment Program areas. The office assists in providing leadership
and coordination to National and local rural economic and community
development efforts. For appropriation and accounting purposes, this
office is located under RBS. The office directs the following two
divisions:
(i) Empowerment Program Division. Headed by the division director,
this division is responsible for formulating policies and developing
plans, standards, procedures, and schedules for accomplishing RBS
activities related to ``community empowerment programs'', including EZ/
EC, AmeriCorps, and other initiatives. The office develops
informational materials and provides technical advice and services to
support States on community empowerment programs. It also generates
information about rural conditions and strategies and techniques for
promoting rural economic development for community empowerment
programs.
(ii) Community Outreach Division. Headed by the division director,
this division is responsible for designing and overseeing overall
systems and developing resources to support State and community level
implementation activities for RBS programs. The office designs program
delivery systems and tools, removes impediments to effective community-
level action, supports field offices with specialized skills, and
establishes partnerships with National organizations with grass-roots
membership to assure that programs and initiatives are designed and
implemented in a way that empowers communities. It develops methods for
working with rural business intermediaries to assist them in providing
technical assistance to new, small business, and provides Internet-
based services to 1890 Land-grant universities, EZ/EC, and AmeriCorps
volunteers, linking RBS information support to communities with high
levels of need.
(5) Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization
Corporation. Headed by a director, this Corporation is responsible for
providing and monitoring financial assistance for the development and
commercialization of new nonfood and nonfeed products from agricultural
and forestry commodities in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 5901 et seq. The
Corporation acts as a catalyst in forming private and public
partnerships and promotes new uses of agricultural materials. It
expands market opportunities for U.S. farmers through development of
value-added industrial products and promotes environmentally friendly
products. For budget and accounting purposes, this office is assigned
to RBS. The director of the Corporation is responsible to the Office of
the Secretary.
Secs. 2003.27--2003.50 [Reserved]
Dated: November 26, 1997.
Jill Long Thompson,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 97-33588 Filed 12-23-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-U