[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6810-6816]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3419]



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Part IV





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________



Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Risk 
Management Agency, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation



_______________________________________________________________________



Request for Proposals; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 27 / Tuesday, February 10, 1997 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Risk Management Agency
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation


Request for Proposals

AGENCIES: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 
(CSREES), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation (FCIC), USDA.

ACTION: Announcement of availability of grant funds and request for 
proposals for Agricultural Risk Management Education.

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SUMMARY: CSREES and RMA, administering this program for FCIC, in 
consultation with the Risk Management Education Steering Committee, is 
soliciting proposals for a Risk Management Education Program under 
section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act and under a delegation of 
authority memorandum from the FCIC to the Administrator of CSREES. 
Projects are solicited in the following areas: 1. The delivery of risk 
management education programs to producers and related agribusiness 
operators in the U.S. agricultural sector (program delivery); 2. The 
development of agricultural risk management educational curricula and 
materials (curriculum and materials); and 3. Supporting research that 
leads to improved risk management strategies and decision aids for 
agricultural producers or that improves access to risk management 
information (supportive research).
    This notice sets out the objectives for these projects, the 
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, the application 
procedures and instructions, and the project selection process and 
evaluation criteria. To obtain application forms, contact the CSREES 
Proposal Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES at 
(202) 401-5048; e-mail: [email protected]. When contacting the Proposal 
Services Unit, please indicate that you are requesting forms for the 
Risk Management Education Program.

DATES: Applications must be received on or before April 13, 1998. 
Proposals received after April 13, 1998 will not be considered for 
funding.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Witt, Risk Management Agency, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0805, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0805; Voice: (202) 690-2957; Fax: (202) 
690-2095; Internet: [email protected]; or Donald A. West, 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Stop 2212, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20250-2212; Voice: (202) 720-5633; Fax: (202) 690-
2522; Internet: [email protected].

Table of Contents

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority
B. Definitions
C. Eligibility

Part II--Program Description

A. Purpose of the Program
B. Available Funds and Award Limitations
C. Indirect Costs
D. Scope of Program
E. Program Delivery
F. Curriculum and Materials
G. Supportive Research

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. When and Where to Submit

Part V--Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Selection Process
B. Evaluation Criteria

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
F. Evaluation of Program
G. Regulatory Information

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority

    Sections 506(l) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, 7 U.S.C. 1506, 
provides FCIC with the authority to carry out programs intended to 
provide education in the management of risks inherent in the production 
of agricultural commodities. Consequently, FCIC is providing assistance 
to stimulate programs which help agricultural producers understand the 
effective use of insurance protection programs and other related risk 
management tools which lead to their improved financial stability.
    FCIC funds this competitive grants program under its authority in 
section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, 7 U.S.C. 1516, to fund 
research and development of risk management programs for insurance 
protection and related issues. FCIC and CSREES have entered into an 
interagency agreement under the Economy act, 31 U.S.C. 1535, and FCIC 
has delegated the necessary authority for CSREES to administer this 
program for FCIC.

B. Definitions

    For the purpose of making awards under this program, the following 
definitions are applicable:
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and any other 
officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture to whom the 
authority involved may be delegated.
    Agricultural Risk Management means the informed use of tools and 
strategies by farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness firms to deal with 
the risks encountered when producing and marketing agricultural 
products. The insurance protection programs area, including those 
related risks encountered in the production, marketing, financial, 
legal, and human resource(s) aspects of agricultural operations, is the 
primary thrust of this RFP.
    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.
    Authorized Organizational Representative means the official 
designated by the president or chief executive officers of the 
applicant organization who has the authority to commit the resources of 
the organization.
    Budget Period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) into 
which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    Grant means the award by the Administrator of CSREES or his 
designee of funds to an eligible entity whose proposal has been 
selected under this RFP.
    Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    Insurance (Risk) Protection Programs mean programs relating to crop 
insurance and agriculture-related risks and losses.
    Manager means the Manager of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation 
(FCIC).
    Peer Review Panel means a group of experts qualified by training 
and experience in particular fields designated by the Risk Management 
Education Steering Committee to evaluate eligible proposals in those 
fields submitted under this RFP.

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    Prior approval means written, prior consent by an authorized 
departmental officer as defined above.
    Producers and Related Agribusiness Operators mean individuals, 
companies, or corporations engaged in the business of agriculture or in 
the business of supplying agriculture with products or services.
    Project Director means the person designated by the grantee in the 
grant application and approved by the Secretary who is responsible for 
the direction and management of the project.
    Project means the insurance protection program or related risk 
management education activity for which a grant has been requested.
    Project period means the specific dates, as stated in the award 
document and modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal 
sponsorship begins and ends.
    Public and private sector delivery points mean the direct contacts 
between a person delivering the RME program and the producer (e.g., a 
lender or insurance agent discussing risk management with a producer).
    RME Steering Committee means the Risk Management Education Steering 
Committee, consisting of representatives from RMA, CSREES, and the 
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, formed by these agencies in an 
April 1997 Memorandum of Understanding.
    Request for Proposals (RFP) means an invitation to submit projects 
for consideration for funding under this program.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other officer 
or employee of the Department of Agriculture to whom the authority 
involved may be delegated.

C. Eligibility

    Except where otherwise prohibited by law, proposals are invited 
from all colleges and universities, other research institutions, 
Federal, State, and local agencies, nonprofit and for-profit private 
organizations or corporations, and individuals, with strong 
encouragement to minority organizations, which have a demonstrated 
capability to conduct risk management education delivery, curricula 
development or supportive research programs. Projects which represent, 
involve, or foster partnerships between two or more eligible entities 
are encouraged.
    To compete for a grant, an entity must submit a completed 
application before the announced deadline. To be eligible, an entity 
must have: (a) The capacity and professional expertise to deliver 
educational programs, prepare curricula and materials, or conduct 
research in agricultural risk management; (b) adequate knowledge of 
insurance protection programs and related areas in agricultural 
production, marketing, financial, legal and human resource practices; 
(c) competency to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability 
and oversight, and prepare status reports and project documentation; 
and (d) a demonstrated willingness to share information with 
researchers, educators, and the public.
    Although an applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based 
on its status as an eligible entity, other factors may exclude an 
applicant from receiving Federal assistance under this program (e.g., 
debarment and suspension, a determination of non-responsibility based 
on the information submitted).

Part II--Program Description

A. Purpose of the Program

    Recent events have placed greater responsibility on U.S. producers 
to manage the risks of their operations. Recent changes brought about 
by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Pub. L. 
No. 104-127, increased global competition and price variation, changes 
in the structure of some agricultural segments, and the adoption of new 
technologies have all contributed to a more risky environment for U.S. 
farmers and ranchers. The need to manage risks in this new environment 
is so compelling that it has prompted new efforts targeting increased 
risk management education.
    Many farm and ranch operators do not have the training to develop 
effective risk management strategies involving insurance protection and 
related techniques for their businesses. Moreover, the risks in 
production, marketing, finance, legal, and human resources are 
increasingly interconnected. Consequently, these risks demand 
comprehensive strategies for their management. In seeking profit 
opportunities in the new risk environment, producers and the 
agricultural community can benefit from increased risk management 
education, increased access to risk management information, and new 
decision aids.
    Proposals are requested for the purpose of stimulating the research 
and development of education in the risks covered by insurance 
protection programs, including the related areas of production, 
marketing, finance, legal, and human resource(s). Specifically, these 
programs should recognize the relationships between risk areas. They 
should also be part of a substantial effort to reach all segments of 
U.S. agricultural producers by increasing their awareness of both 
traditional and new risk management tools.
    Proposals are invited for competitive awards under the Risk 
Management Education Program for fiscal year (FY) 1998. The purpose of 
these awards is to provide U.S. agricultural producers with the 
knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make better-informed risk 
management decisions. Projects should incorporate one or more of the 
following areas: (1) Deliver risk management training to U.S. farmers, 
ranchers, and related agribusinesses; (2) develop and distribute risk 
management educational curricula and materials; and (3) support 
research that leads to improved risk management strategies, 
information, or decision aids for producers. This grants program is 
funded by the FCIC and administered by CSREES.

B. Available Funds and Award Limitations

    For FY 1998, approximately $3 million is available for risk 
management education and supportive research projects. The total of all 
awards will not exceed $3 million for FY 1998. Proposals will be 
awarded on a fiscal year basis with a one-year duration for projects 
focused on educational program delivery and curricula development and 
up to two years for those focused on supportive research.
    Federal funding for each successful proposal will not exceed 
$250,000. Proposed budgets are subject to negotiation, but the Federal 
share will not exceed $250,000.

C. Indirect Costs

    If requested, indirect costs must be justified and may not exceed 
the current rate negotiated with the cognizant Federal negotiating 
agency. 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 USDA. Due to the nature of the projects to be funded under 
this program, applicants are encouraged to request rates that are lower 
than an applicant's 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.

[[Page 6812]]

D. Scope of Program

    Risk management education projects funded by this RFP are intended 
to reach either U.S. agricultural producers directly or agribusinesses 
that interact with U.S. producers. These projects must be directed to 
(a) Program delivery; (b) the development of curriculum and materials; 
and/or (c) supportive research and decision aids. Projects which 
address more than one of these areas are encouraged. Also encouraged 
are projects which form or foster private and public partnerships, are 
likely to become self-supporting, and are innovative. All projects must 
contain explicit information indicating how results from the project 
will be measured, evaluated, and reported. The indicators used to 
measure results of the project should be clear and objective and focus 
on the anticipated impacts of risk management education or resulting 
behavior of U.S. agricultural producers, to the extent possible.

E. Program Delivery

    Program delivery is providing instruction and materials directly to 
farmers and ranchers or training third party educators who have the 
opportunity and ability to reach farmers and ranchers with risk 
management education. A successful proposal in this area will include 
the use of strong organizational skills to reach the farmers and 
ranchers in a specific region or who use similar production practices. 
Proposals should show how public or private sector (or both) delivery 
points will be used to reach producers. Moreover, proposals should be 
mindful of the private sector's competitive motivations and the 
potential conflicts of interest in providing risk management education. 
Proposals which use innovative educational techniques to deliver risk 
management education are encouraged.

F. Curriculum and Materials

    Educational curricula and materials are printed, electronically 
based, or multi-media items which can be used in program delivery. 
Proposals should offer materials which address important risk 
management topics, are easy to use, and effectively communicate the 
risk management message. Projects should produce teaching devices which 
can be readily understood and easily adopted by program deliverers. 
Those proposals which address topics and issues not covered in the body 
of existing risk management education materials are encouraged. Also 
encouraged are proposals which deal with the linkages among different 
kinds of risk and their management.

G. Supportive Research

    Supportive research is adaptive or applied research which results 
in improved educational programming, practical tools, techniques, 
strategies, or decision aids. Applied research on the unmet risk 
management needs of crop and livestock producers is encouraged. 
Producers should be able to use these results in making better risk 
management decisions. Proposals should also focus on producing results 
which will be readily understood by producers or by trainers when used 
in program delivery. Proposals which include innovative approaches are 
encouraged.

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 on the 
purpose of the program, how the program will be conducted, the required 
contents of a proposal, and the forms needed to prepare and submit 
grant applications.
    To obtain application forms, please contact the Proposal Services 
Unit; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA/CSREES at (202) 401-5048. 
When calling Proposal Services please indicate that you are requesting 
forms for the Risk Management Education Program. Application materials 
also may be requested via Internet by sending a message with your name, 
mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone number to [email protected]. 
The request should indicate that you wish to receive a copy of the 
application materials for the FY 1998 Risk Management Education 
Program. Materials will then be mailed to you (not e-mailed).

B. Content of a Proposal

    After you have received the application materials, you can complete 
your application as follows:
1. Cover Page
    Complete the ``Application for Funding'' Form in its entirety.
    a. Note that providing a Social Security Number is voluntary, but 
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 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, regarding Debarment and Suspension and Drug-Free 
Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018, regarding Lobbying. The certification 
forms are included in this 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 the proposal cover page. 
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 concise project summary on a separate 
page. This page must include the title of the project and the names of 
the project director and the applicant organization, followed by a 
project summary of 250 words or less. The project summary should 
describe the overall goals and relevance of the project. It should also 
contain a listing of all organizations involved in the project. The 
Project Summary should immediately follow the Table of Contents.
4. Project Narrative
    The Project Narrative must be prepared on only one side of each 
page using standard size (8\1/2\'' x 11''; 21.6 cm x 27.9 cm) white 
paper, one-inch margins, typed or word processed using no type smaller 
than 10 point font regardless of whether it is single or double-spaced. 
The project narrative shall not exceed 10 pages. It must state and then 
answer each of the following six questions:
    (a) What risk management education activity or supportive research 
project is being proposed? Explain the type of project, the direct or 
ultimate beneficiaries of the project, and which areas of risk will be 
covered. The project must be directed to either program delivery, the 
development of curricula and materials, or supportive research. More 
than one of these three activities can be included in one project. 
Identify and describe the insurance protection and related areas of 
risk (production, marketing, financial, legal, or human resources) 
which will be included in the project. Describe the methodology to be 
used, the procedures to be followed, and the time line for their 
completion. Include a description of any innovative

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techniques used in the project to advance risk management education.
    (b) At what audience(s) is the project directed? Provide a 
description of the U.S. agricultural production sector(s) for which the 
project is intended. Describe the geographical area, demographic 
profile, and perceived risk management needs of the proposed 
beneficiaries of the project. Indicate reasons why these risk 
management education needs are not being met with existing programs.
    (c) What are the goals of the project? Describe the goals of the 
project and the procedures to be followed in meeting them. Indicate how 
the project will make a positive measurable impact on producer's 
knowledge of agricultural risks and their ability to cope with these 
risks. Indicate, also, how the impact of the project will be measured 
and how results will be reported. Ensure that indicators used to 
measure the results of the project are relevant and as objective as 
possible.
    (d) What partnering opportunities will be created through the 
project? Identify the private and public organizations that will 
participate in the project. Identify any additional organizations which 
may become involved or have a positive influence on risk management 
education as a result of the project.
    (e) How can the project become self-sustaining? For program 
delivery proposals, or components of proposals, indicate how the 
project can become self-sustaining in the absence of further outside 
funding. Specify mechanisms such as user fees or product sales that 
could be used.
    (f) How does the project assist in the effort to provide simple and 
practical risk management tools to producers? Describe the ways in 
which the project activities will communicate clearly and simply with 
producers. Indicate the ways in which this project will result in the 
producers receiving practical, user-friendly materials or tools for 
risk management.
5. Key Personnel
    Identify the primary project director, the co-project manager(s), 
and other key personnel committed to this project. Summarize the 
relevant experience of key project personnel that will enable them to 
successfully complete the project. Include brief vitae which provide 
enough information so that proposal reviewers can make an informed 
judgment as to their capabilities and experience. An organizational 
chart for the project should be provided if available.
6. Budget
    Budget Form: Prepare the budget form in accordance with 
instructions provided with the form. Projects selected for program 
delivery or curricula and materials will be funded for up to one year. 
Projects selected for supportive research will be funded for up to two 
years. 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, if more than one year. 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 
authorizing legislation, applicable Federal cost principles, these 
program guidelines, and can be justified as necessary for the 
successful conduct of the proposed project. Requested expenditures for 
equipment should not represent more than 10 percent of the budget 
total.
7. Current and Pending Support
    All proposals must list any other current public or private support 
(including in-house support) to which key personnel identified in the 
proposal have committed portions of their time, whether or not salary 
support for person(s) involved is included in the budget. Analogous 
information must be provided for any pending proposals that are being 
considered by, or that will be submitted in the near future to, other 
possible sponsors, including other USDA programs or agencies. 
Concurrent submission of identical or similar proposals to other 
possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal review or evaluation for 
this purpose. However, a proposal that duplicates or overlaps 
substantially with a proposal already reviewed and funded (or that will 
be funded) by another organization or agency will not be funded under 
this program. The application material includes Form CSREES-663 which 
is suitable for listing current and pending support.
8. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
    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 
placed after the Form CSREES-661, ``Application for Funding,'' in 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 14 copies of each proposal must be submitted. Each 
copy must be stapled in the upper left-hand corner (DO NOT BIND). All 
copies of a proposal must be submitted in one package.

B. Where and When to Submit

    Proposals must be received by close of business on April 13, 1998. 
A proposal's postmark date is not a factor in whether an application is 
timely received. The applicant assumes the risk of any unforeseen 
delays in proposal delivery. Proposals sent by First Class mail must be 
sent to the following address: Risk Management Education Program, c/o 
Proposal Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES, 
Stop 2245, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-2245; 
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.

    Note: Hand-delivered proposals or those delivered by overnight 
express service should be brought to the following address: Risk 
Management Education Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit; Office of 
Extramural Programs; USDA/CSREES; 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

[[Page 6814]]

acknowledgment will contain an identifying proposal number. Once a 
proposal has been assigned an identification number, the number should 
be referred to in future correspondence.

Part V--Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Selection Process

    Each proposal will be evaluated in a three-part process. First, 
each proposal will be screened by CSREES to ensure it meets the 
requirements as set forth in this solicitation. Second, proposals that 
meet these requirements will be technically evaluated by an expert peer 
review panel(s) selected by and using procedures approved by the RME 
Steering Committee. Evaluation criteria are set forth below. Each 
proposal will be judged on its own merit. Third, after the peer review 
panel(s) submits its recommendations to the RME Steering Committee, the 
Administrator of CSREES or his designee will make the final award 
decisions in consultation with the RME Steering Committee.

B. Evaluation Criteria

    The peer review panel(s) will evaluate all proposals using the 
following criteria:
1. Program Need 20 Points
    How well does the proposal identify an existing risk management 
education need for insurance protection or a related area that can be 
filled by the project? How pressing is the need identified in the 
project? Does the project address topics, issues, or needs of producer 
groups not covered in existing risk management educational programs?
2. Professional Expertise: 20 Points
    Which skills, talents, and professional experiences do the 
applicants bring to the project? What does the track record of the 
applicants indicate about the likely delivery and quality of the 
project results?
3. Partnering: 10 Points
    To what extent does the project involve organizations or groups 
with the capacity to conduct risk management education or supportive 
research? How will this partnering enhance the effort to educate 
agricultural producers?
4. Feasibility: 10 Points
    How realistic are the project's stated goals and objectives? What 
is the probability that the project will reach its objectives, given 
the skills and prior performance of the applicant?
5. Simplicity and Practicality: 10 Points
    How well does the proposal recognize the need for simplicity and 
practicality in risk management education for U.S. farmers and 
ranchers? How well will farmers and ranchers be able to understand and 
use the results of the project?
6. Measurability of Results: 10 Points
    Are the goals and objectives of the project well-defined? Have 
provisions been made to measure the impact of the project? How 
objective and reliable are the proposed measurements and what 
provisions are made for reporting results on a timely basis?
7. Innovation: 10 Points
    Does the proposal offer innovative approaches, procedures or 
solutions to the problems addressed? For example, how well does the 
project use new technology to accomplish its objectives? Does the 
project address linkages among various sources of risk and management 
strategies to deal with them?
8. Sustainability: 10 Points
    For projects focused on program delivery, how long will the 
positive effects of the project likely continue? Are mechanisms set in 
motion by this project that assure that the delivery activity will 
continue in the absence of outside funding?

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 basis 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.

B. Grant Awards

1. General
    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official of CSREES shall make grants to eligible applicants whose 
proposals are judged most meritorious under the technical 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 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 and administered 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, 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, as amended).
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 this program if such information has not been provided previously 
under this or another program for which the sponsoring agencies are 
responsible. Copies of forms recommended for use in fulfilling the 
requirements contained in this section will be provided by USDA as part 
of the pre-award 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 Department 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 their respective granting activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular grant.
4. Notice of Grant Award
    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.
    5. CSREES will award standard grants to carry out this program. A 
standard grant is a funding mechanism whereby

[[Page 6815]]

CSREES agrees to support a specified level of effort for a 
predetermined time period without additional support at a future date.

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 CSREES Authorized Departmental Officer for a final determination.
    b. Changes in approved goals, or objectives, shall be requested by 
the grantee and approved in writing by the CSREES Authorized 
Departmental Officer prior to effecting such changes. In no event shall 
requests for such changes be approved 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 awarding official of CSREES 
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 Department 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 Authorized Departmental Officer 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 Authorized Departmental Officer, 
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 authorized 
departmental officer 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 Statues 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, subpart A--USDA implementation of the Freedom of 
Information Act.
    7 CFR Part 3, as amended--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, as amended--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. 95-
224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients 
of Departmental financial assistance.
    7 CFR Part 3016, as amended--Uniform Administrative Requirements 
for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    7 CFR Part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment 
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for 
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
    7 CFR Part 3018--USDA implementation of New Restrictions on 
Lobbying. Imposes new prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and 
certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, 
grants, cooperative agreements, and loans.
    7 CFR Part 3019, as amended--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-
110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other 
Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Nonprofit Organizations.
    7 CFR Part 3052 (62 FR 45947, August 29, 1997)--USDA implementation 
of OMB Circular No. A-133 regarding audits of States, local 
governments, and nonprofit organizations.
    48 CFR Part 31, as amended--Contract Cost Principles and Procedures 
of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
    29 U.S.C. 794, section 504 of the 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 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. Proposals that do not receive a grant will be released to 
others only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required 
by law. If such a request is made, the applicant will be consulted 
prior to release of the proposal. A proposal may be withdrawn at any 
time prior to the final selection action thereon.

F. Evaluation of Program

    All grantees shall be expected to assist USDA by providing relevant 
information on their respective projects. Applicants also are 
encouraged to plan for their own internal self-assessments and 
evaluations to measure the effectiveness of each project.

G. Regulatory Information

    For the reasons set forth in the final Rule-related Notice to 7 CFR 
part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29115, June 24, 1983), this program is 
excluded from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials.


[[Page 6816]]


    Done at Washington, D.C., this 5th day of February 1998.
B. H. Robinson,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
Robert J. Prchal,
Deputy Administrator for Insurance Services, Risk Management Agency.
Robert J. Prchal,
Acting Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 98-3419 Filed 2-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P