[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33490-33497]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16155]



[[Page 33489]]

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Part V





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________



Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service



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Agricultural Telecommunications Program (FY 1998): Proposals 
Solicitation; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 1998 / 
Notices  

[[Page 33490]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Notice of Fiscal Year 1998 Agricultural Telecommunications 
Program; Solicitation of Proposals

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

SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service is soliciting proposals under the Agricultural 
Telecommunications Program. The Agricultural Telecommunications Program 
is authorized in Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
and Trade Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926). It is 
anticipated that grants will be awarded competitively under the program 
in support of the following program areas: (1) Program Delivery and 
Innovative Program Development/Production, and (2) Capacity Building.

DATE: Applications must be received on or before August 17, 1998. 
Proposals received after August 17, 1998 will not be considered for 
funding.

ADDRESSES: Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the 
following address: Agricultural Telecommunications Program, c/o 
Proposal Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative 
State, Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20250-2245. Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Proposals that are delivered by Express mail, courier service, or 
by hand must be sent to the following address: Agricultural 
Telecommunications Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, Office of 
Extramural Programs, Cooperative State, Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace 
Center, 901 D Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024. Telephone: (202) 
401-5048.
    For programmatic issues contact: Cathy Bridwell; Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of 
Agriculture; STOP 2216; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, 
D.C. 20250-2216; telephone (202) 720-6084; Internet: 
[email protected]
    For administrative issues contact: the Grants Management Branch, 
Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, 
and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2246; 1400 
Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2246; telephone (202) 
401-5050.

Table of Contents

Part I--Program Description
    A. Purpose
    B. Available Funding
    C. Matching Funds Requirement
    D. Eligibility
    E. Definitions
Part II--Program Areas
    A. Program Delivery and Innovative Program Development/
Production
    B. Capacity Building
Part III--Preparation of a Proposal
    A. Program Application Materials
    B. Content of a Proposal
Part IV--Submission of a Proposal
    A. What to Submit
    B. Where and When to Submit
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. Other Conditions

Part I--Program Description

A. Purpose

    Proposals are requested for the purpose of awarding competitive 
grants for fiscal year (FY) 1998 under the Agricultural 
Telecommunications Program (Program). Grants will be awarded to 
eligible institutions to assist in the development and utilization of 
an agricultural communications network to facilitate and to strengthen 
agricultural extension, resident education and research, and domestic 
and international marketing of United States commodities and products 
through a partnership between eligible institutions and the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA). The network will employ satellite and 
other telecommunications technology to disseminate and to share 
academic instruction, cooperative extension programming, agricultural 
research, and marketing information. The authority for this Program is 
contained in Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
Trade Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926). This Program is 
administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service (CSREES) of USDA.

B. Available Funding

    For FY 1998, $873,000 is available for the Program. Grants under 
this Program may provide funds for no more than 50 percent (50%) of the 
cost of a proposed project, unless otherwise determined by the 
Secretary in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 1673(g) of Pub. L. 
101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(g)). Project funds will be awarded for one 
fiscal year. Applicants may recompete for additional funding, but 
projects will not be renewed. Funds will be awarded for no more than 
$50,000 for Capacity Building projects. Funds will be awarded for no 
more than $100,000 for Program Delivery and Innovative Program 
Development/Production projects.

C. Matching Funds Requirement

    A grant awarded under this Program must be matched by the recipient 
with equal funds from a non-Federal source unless otherwise determined 
by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 1673(g) of 
Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(g)). The matching requirement must be 
satisfied through allowable costs incurred by the recipient or 
subrecipient and through third party in-kind contributions.

D. Eligibility

    Proposals are invited from accredited institutions of higher 
education. Applicants must demonstrate that they participate in a 
network that distributes programs consistent with the following 
objectives: (1) make optimal use of available resources for 
agricultural extension, resident education, and research by sharing 
resources between participating institutions; (2) improve the 
competitive position of United States agriculture in international 
markets by disseminating information to producers, processors, and 
researchers; (3) train students for careers in agriculture and food 
industries; (4) facilitate interaction among leading agricultural 
scientists; (5) enhance the ability of United States agriculture to 
respond to environmental and food safety concerns, and; (6) identify 
new uses for farm commodities and to increase the demand for United 
States agricultural products in both domestic and foreign markets.
    Pursuant to Sec. 1673(e) of Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(e)), 
preferential consideration will be given to applications that--(i) are 
submitted by institutions affiliated with an established agricultural 
telecommunications network that distributed programs to a wide 
geographical area; or (ii) demonstrate the need for such assistance, 
taking into consideration the relative needs of all applicants and the 
financial ability of the applicants to otherwise secure or create the 
telecommunications system.
    These preferences will be factored into the evaluation of the 
Partnerships and Collaboration and Project Need Criteria, respectively.

[[Page 33491]]

E. Definitions

    For the purpose of awarding funding under this Program, the 
following definitions are applicable:
    (1) Accredited institutions of higher education means a college or 
university which is an educational institution in any State which: (a) 
admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of 
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the 
recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (b) is legally authorized 
within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary 
education; (c) provides an educational program for which a 
baccalaureate degree or any other higher degree is awarded; (d) is a 
public or other nonprofit institution; and (e) is accredited by a 
nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
    (2) Administrator means the Administrator of the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved 
may be delegated.
    (3) Agricultural telecommunications means those activities 
established to encourage development and utilization of an agricultural 
communications network employing satellite and other telecommunications 
technologies to disseminate and to share academic instruction, 
cooperative extension programming, agricultural research, and marketing 
information.
    (4) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the individual acting within the 
scope of delegated authority, who is responsible for awarding and 
administering grants on behalf of the Secretary.
    (5) Authorized organizational representatives means the president 
or chief executive officer of the applicant organization or the 
official, designated by the president or chief executive officer of the 
applicant organization, who has the authority to commit the resources 
of the organization.
    (6) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) 
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    (7) Cash contributions means the applicant's cash outlay, including 
the outlay of money contributed to the applicant by non-Federal third 
parties.
    (8) Communications network refers to television or cable television 
origination or distribution equipment, signal conversion equipment 
(including both modulators and demodulators), computer hardware and 
software, programs or terminals, or related devices, used to process 
and exchange data through a telecommunications system in which signals 
are generated, modified or prepared for transmission, or received, via 
telecommunications terminal equipment or via telecommunications 
transmission.
    (9) Delivery means the transmission and reception of programs by 
facilities that transmit, receive, or carry data between 
telecommunications terminal equipment at each end of a 
telecommunications circuit or path.
    (10) Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    (11) Equipment means tangible personal property including exempt 
property charged directly to the award having a useful life of more 
than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
    (12) Facilities includes microwave antennae, fiberoptic cables and 
repeaters, coaxial cables, communications satellite ground station 
complexes, and copper cable electronic equipment associated with 
telecommunications transmission and similar items subject to the 
approval of the authorized departmental officer.
    (13) Grant means the award by the authorized departmental officer 
of funds to an accredited institution of higher education to assist in 
meeting the costs of conducting, for the benefit of the public, as 
identified project which is intended and designed to accomplish the 
purpose of the program as identified in these guidelines.
    (14) Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    (15) Matching means that portion of allowable project costs not 
borne by the Federal Government, including the value of in-kind 
contributions.
    (16) Peer Review Panel means a group of experts qualified by 
training and experience in particular fields to give expert advice on 
the merit of grant applications in such fields, who evaluate eligible 
proposals submitted to this program in their personal area(s) of 
expertise.
    (17) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent 
by an authorized departmental officer as defined in (4) above.
    (18) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    (19) Project director means the single individual designated by the 
grantee in the grant application and approved by the authorized 
departmental officer who is responsible for the direction and 
management of the project.
    (20) Project period means the period, as stated in the award 
document and modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal 
sponsorship begins and ends.
    (21) Satellite ground station complex includes transmitters, 
receivers, and communications antennae at the Earth station site 
together with the interconnecting terrestrial transmission facilities 
(including cables, line, or microwave facilities) and modulating and 
demodulating equipment necessary for processing traffic received from 
the terrestrial distribution system prior to transmission via satellite 
and the traffic received from the satellite prior to transfer to 
terrestrial distribution systems.

Part II--Program Areas

A. Program Delivery and Innovative Program Development/Production

1. Description
    Applicants may submit a proposal in the Program Delivery and 
Innovative Program Development/Production area requesting funding to: 
(1) operate an agricultural communications network, employing satellite 
and other telecommunications technology, to deliver Cooperative 
Extension programming, academic instruction, agricultural research and 
marketing information through partnership(s) between eligible 
institutions and the Department; or, (2) develop distance education 
programming. The project goal(s) and objective(s) must be clearly 
stated in the proposal. Proposals in this area must clearly target a 
systematic approach to building an infrastructure to deliver 
programming at a distance or must demonstrate an innovation to 
developing distance education programming.
    Each proposal will be evaluated based on three broad principles: 
(1) Is there a real need for the project; (2) will the strategy 
identified meet the need; and (3) is the project sustainable?
    Each proposal must document the need for the project, based on 
literature review, case studies, audience analysis and/or needs 
assessment.
    The project strategy should reflect an integrated approach to 
instructional design including subject-matter content, educational 
methodology and compatible production and delivery techniques. The 
approach described must meet the identified need.
    Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the 
institution or by other groups or

[[Page 33492]]

institutions that may wish to continue the project.
2. Project Narrative
    The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project 
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed 
20 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be 
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
    (a) Project Need. Describe the background and situation leading to 
the need for the project. The project must be based on a need 
articulated by an audience or on a needs assessment. Describe the 
targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed including 
pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact 
on audience. If appropriate, describe the methodology and results of 
the needs assessment. Demonstrate the need for assistance under this 
Program, including financial ability or inability to otherwise pursue 
the proposed program.
    (b) Strategy. (i) Partnerships and Collaboration. Describe 
partnerships and collaborations fostered through this project including 
expected impact and benefit to those involved such as learner, 
institution, agency, state, and nation. Partners are defined as all 
those who will collaborate on the project. Submit evidence that 
partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a substantial 
role and interest in the project. Examples of role and interest might 
include joint risk-taking and shared benefits. Include information 
about any current affiliations with established agricultural 
telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a wide 
geographical area.
    (ii) Appropriate Distance Learning Technologies. Describe 
appropriate distance learning technologies including, but not limited 
to, internet, multimedia, audio/visual, and other telecommunications 
technologies to be developed or employed in this project.
    (iii) Infrastructure. Describe a framework representing both the 
technological and human infrastructure for this project including, but 
not limited to, technical trouble-shooting, scheduling and operation 
management, and learner and program support. Evidence of learner 
support includes, but is not limited to, facilitation of access, 
accommodation for diversity in special needs and learning styles, and 
recognition of need for alternative modes of program design and 
delivery.
    (iv) Innovation. Describe the innovative application of distance 
education/learning delivery identified in the project. Examples of 
innovation may include, but are not limited to, approaches in reaching 
audiences, methods of connectivity and/or interaction, use of existing 
resources with innovations in the teaching/learning transaction, and 
entrepreneurial approaches to distance education delivery.
    (v) Outreach Plan. Describe a plan for informing others about 
positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative 
ideas, and research findings from the project.
    (vi) Evaluation Plan. Describe both formative and summative design 
for evaluating specific aspects of the project. These designs may 
include methods for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Program 
in terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, 
immediate application, meeting learner needs, and/or potential for 
replication.
    (c) Sustainability. (i) Project Sustainability. Include strong 
evidence of the project's ability to continue and grow after receiving 
the funding. Examples may include replication by others; continued 
funding other than from this Program, or opportunities for sale of 
products; and/or use of ideas and results of project by others.
    (ii) Cost/Benefit. Include a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed 
project, including comparison to other delivery methods, relative 
benefit to learner, and staffing costs versus benefits.

B. Capacity Building

1. Description
    Applicants submitting proposals in the Capacity Building area 
should target the development of capacity in the area of distance 
education at the university, state, regional, national or international 
level. Proposals must include a detailed plan for assessing capacity or 
a plan for targeting need based on a completed needs assessment.
    Each proposal will be evaluated based on three broad principles: 
(1) Is there a real need for the project; (2) will the strategy 
identified meet the need; and (3) is the project sustainable?
    Each proposal must document the need for the project, based on 
literature review, case studies, audience analysis and needs 
assessment.
    The project strategy should reflect an integrated approach to 
instructional design including subject-matter content, educational 
methodology and compatible production and delivery techniques. The 
approach described must meet the identified need.
    Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the 
institution or by other groups of institutions that may wish to 
continue the project.
2. Project Narrative
    The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project 
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed 
20 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be 
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
    (a) Project Need. Describe the background and situation leading to 
the need for the project. The project must be based on a need 
articulated by an audience or on a needs assessment. Describe the 
targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed including 
pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact 
on the targeted audience(s). If appropriate, describe the methodology 
and results of the needs assessment. Applicants should describe how the 
capacity built will improve program production or program delivery. 
Demonstrate the need for assistance under this Program, including 
financial ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed 
program.
    (b) Strategy. (i) Capacity Assessment. Include a detailed 
assessment of capacity or a fully developed plan for assessing 
capacity. Areas of consideration include, but are not limited to: 
faculty/staff development; support resources; production/technical 
capability; delivery capability; building learner capacity.
    (ii) Evaluation Plan. Describe both formative and summative design 
for evaluating specific aspects of the project. These designs may 
include methods for evaluating the overall effectiveness of program in 
terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, 
immediate application, meeting learner need, and/or potential for 
replication.
    (iii) Outreach Plan. Describe a plan for informing others about 
positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative 
ideas, research findings from the project.
    (c) Sustainability. (i) Sustainability. Include strong evidence of 
the project's ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding. 
Examples may include replication by others; continued funding other 
than from this Program, or opportunities for sale of products; and/or 
use of ideas and results of project by others.
    (ii) Institutional Commitment. Discuss institutional commitment to 
the project. For example, substantiate that the institution(s) 
attributes a priority to the project; discuss how the project will 
contribute to the achievement of the

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institution's(s') long-term (five- to ten-year) goals; explain how the 
project will help satisfy the institution's(s') high priority 
objectives; or show how this project is linked to and supported by the 
institution's(s') strategic plan.
    (iii) Partnerships and Collaboration. Describe partnerships and 
collaborations fostered through this project including expected impact 
and benefit to those involved such as the learner, institution, agency, 
state, and nation. Partners are defined as all those who will 
collaborate on the project. Submit evidence that partnerships are in 
place, and that those partners have a substantial role and interest in 
the project. Examples of role and interest might include joint risk 
taking and shared benefits. Include information about any current 
affiliations with established agricultural telecommunications networks 
that distribute programs to a wide geographical area.

Part III--Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials

    Copies of this solicitation and the Application Submission Package, 
which contains required forms, certifications, and instructions for 
preparing and submitting project applications, may be obtained by 
contacting: Agricultural Telecommunications Program, c/o Proposal 
Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Stop 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 
20250-2245. Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Application materials may also be requested via internet by sending 
a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone 
number to [email protected] stating that you wish to receive a copy of 
the application materials for the FY 1998 Agricultural 
Telecommunications Program. The materials will then be mailed to you 
(not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.

B. Content of a Proposal

    1. Cover Page. Complete the ``Project Application'' form, Form CFR-
2101, in its entirety. a. One copy of the ``Project Application'' form 
must contain the pen-and-ink signatures of the project director and 
authorized organizational representative for the applicant 
organization.
    b. Note that by signing the ``Project Application'' form the 
applicant is providing the required certifications set forth in 7 CFR 
Part 3017, as amended by 61 FR 250, January 4, 1996, regarding 
Debarment and Suspension and Drug-Free Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018, 
regarding Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the 
application package for informational purposes only. It is not 
necessary to submit the forms to USDA.
    2. Table of Contents. For ease in locating information, each 
proposal must contain a detailed table of contents just 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 project summary of 
200 words or less 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 the summary. The summary should be self-
contained, and should describe the situation, targeted audience, 
purpose of the project, program goal, methodology, and expected 
outcomes of the project.
    4. Program Areas. Each proposal must identify the area under which 
funds are requested and contain the required information for that area. 
Note that the project narrative should be limited to 20 pages in 
length.
    5. Staffing Pattern and Procedure. Each proposal must describe the 
staff needed for project administration, instructional design/
curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion. The narrative should demonstrate that the staffing and 
implementation procedure will result in an integrated approach 
involving content specialists, instructional designers, and quality 
production resources, and that the individual staff members proposed 
are qualified to perform these roles. The emphasis of the narrative 
should be placed on the relationship of the staff expertise to the 
proposed effort.
    6. Personnel Support. To assist peer reviewers in assessing the 
competence and experience of the proposed project staff, key personnel 
who will be involved in the proposed project must be identified 
clearly. For each project director involved, and for all senior 
associates and other professional personnel who are expected to work on 
the project, whether or not funds are sought for their support, the 
following should be included:
    (a) An estimate of the time commitments necessary;
    (b) A curriculum vitae limited to the presentation of academic, 
research and extension credentials, e.g., educational, employment and 
professional history, and honors and awards, with emphasis on their 
relationship to the effort being proposed. Unless pertinent to the 
project, to personal status, or the status of the organization--
meetings attended, seminars given, or personal data such as birth date, 
marital status, or community activities should not be included. The 
vitae shall be no more than two pages in length, excluding the 
publication list(s); and
    (c) Publication List(s). A chronological list of the most 
representative publications during the past five years as it relates to 
the proposed effort, including those in press, must be provided for 
each professional project member for whom a curriculum vitae is 
provided. Authors should be listed in the same order as they appear on 
each paper cited, along with the title and complete reference as these 
items usually appear in journals.
    7. A. Budget. A detailed budget is required for each year of 
funding requested. In addition, a summary budget is required detailing 
requested support for the overall project period. The budget form may 
be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be requested under any 
of the categories listed on the form, provided that the item or service 
for which support is requested is allowable under the authorizing 
legislation, the applicable Federal cost principles, and this 
solicitation, and can be justified as necessary for the successful 
conduct of the proposed project.
    The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal 
budget(s):
    (a) Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages are allowable charges 
and may be requested for personnel who will be working on the project 
in proportion to the time such personnel will devote to the project. If 
salary funds are requested, the number of Professionals and Other 
Personnel and the number of full-time equivalents (FTE) must be shown 
in the spaces provided. Grant funds may not be used to augment the 
total salary or rate of salary of project personnel or to reimburse 
them for time in addition to a regular full-time salary covering the 
same general period of employment. Salary funds requested must be 
consistent with the normal policies of the institution and with OMB 
Circular No. A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions. 
Administrative and Clerical salaries are normally classified as 
indirect costs. However, if requested under A., they must be fully 
justified.
    (b) Fringe Benefits. Funds may be requested for fringe benefit 
costs if the usual accounting practices of the

[[Page 33494]]

institution provide that institutional contributions to employee 
benefits (social security, retirement, etc.) be treated as direct 
costs. Fringe benefit costs may be included only for those personnel 
whose salaries are charged as a direct cost to the project. See OMB 
Circular No. A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, for 
further guidance in this area.
    (c) Nonexpendable Equipment. Nonexpendable equipment means tangible 
nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged 
directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an 
acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. As such, items of 
necessary instrumentation or other nonexpendable equipment should be 
listed individually by description and estimated cost. This applies to 
revised budgets, as the equipment item(s) and amount(s) may change. 
Each applicant also must attach to its budget an analysis of the costs 
and benefits of purchasing (or leasing) different types of facilities, 
equipment, components, hardware and software, and other items.
    In addition, pursuant to Section 716(b) of Pub. L. 105-86 (the 
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998), in the case of any 
equipment or product that may be authorized to be purchased with funds 
provided under this program, entities receiving such funds are 
encouraged to use such funds to purchase only American-made equipment 
or products.

    Note: Sec. 1673(g)(2) of Pub. L. 101-624 identifies that not 
more than 10% of the funds appropriated for this program may be 
applied to the acquisition and installation of nonexpendable 
equipment.

    (d) Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials and 
supplies which are required to carry out the project should be 
indicated in general terms with estimated costs.
    (e) Travel. The type and extent of travel and its relationship to 
project objectives should be described briefly and justified.
    (f) Publication Costs/Page Charges. Anticipated costs of preparing 
and publishing results of the project being proposed (including page 
charges, necessary illustrations, and the cost of a reasonable number 
of coverless reprints) may be estimated and charged against the grant.
    (g) Computer (ADPE) Costs. Reimbursement for the costs of using 
specialized facilities (such as a university or department-controlled 
computer mainframe or data processing center) may be requested if such 
services are required for completion of the work.
    (h) All Other Direct Costs. Anticipated direct project charges not 
included in other budget categories must be itemized with estimated 
costs and justified on a separate sheet of paper attached to the 
budget. This applies to revised budgets, as the item(s) and dollar 
amount(s) may change. Examples may include space rental at remote 
locations, subcontractual costs, and charges for consulting services. 
Applicants are encouraged to consult the ``Instructions for Completing 
the Agricultural Telecommunications Program Budget,'' for detailed 
guidance relating to this budget category.
    (i) Indirect Costs. If requested, the current rate negotiated with 
the cognizant Federal negotiating agency should be used. Indirect costs 
may not exceed the negotiated rate. If no rate has been negotiated, a 
reasonable dollar amount in lieu of indirect costs may be requested, 
which will be subject to approval by USDA.
    B. Matching funds. (1) Proposals must include written verification 
of commitments of matching support (including both cash and in-kind 
contributions) from third parties. Written verification means:
    (a) For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge 
agreement for each donation, signed by the authorized organizational 
representatives of the donor organization and the applicant 
organization, which must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone 
number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant organization; (3) 
the title of the project for which the donation is made; (4) the dollar 
amount of the cash donation; and (5) a statement that the donor will 
pay the cash contribution during the project period; and
    (b) For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge 
agreement for each contribution, signed by the authorized 
organizational representatives of the donor organization and the 
applicant organization, which must include: (1) the name, address, and 
telephone number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant 
organization; (3) the title of the project for which the donation is 
made; (4) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the 
in-kind contribution; and (5) a statement that the donor will make the 
contribution during the grant period.
    (2) The sources and amount of all matching support from outside the 
applicant institution should be summarized on a separate page and 
placed in the proposal immediately following the budget form and any 
attachment thereto. All pledge agreements must be placed in the 
proposal immediately following the summary of matching support.
    (3) Applicants should refer to OMB Circulars A-110, ``Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions 
of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations,'' 
and A-122, ``Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations,'' for 
further guidance and other requirements relating to matching and 
allowable costs.
    8. 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 the possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal 
review or evaluation by the Administrator for this purpose. However, a 
proposal that duplicates or overlaps substantially with a proposal 
already reviewed and funded (or that will be funded) by another 
organization or agency will not be funded under this program.
    9. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As 
outlined in 7 CFR Part 3407 (the CSREES regulations implementing NEPA), 
the environmental data or documentation for any proposed project is to 
be provided to CSREES in order to assist CSREES in carrying out its 
responsibilities under NEPA. In some cases, however, the preparation of 
environmental data 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 (e.g., preparation of an environmental 
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS)), pertinent 
information regarding the possible environmental impacts of a proposed 
project is necessary; therefore, the National Environmental Policy Act 
Exclusions Form (Form CSREES-1234) provided must be included in the 
proposal indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion that the 
project falls within one or more of the categorical exclusions. Form 
CSREES-

[[Page 33495]]

1234 should be included at the end of the proposal. Even though a 
project may fall within the categorical exclusions, CSREES may 
determine that an EA or an EIS 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 effects.

Part IV--Submission of a Proposal

A. What To Submit

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

B. Where and When To Submit

    Proposals must be received on or before (60 days from date of 
publication).
    Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the following 
address: Agricultural Telecommunications Program, c/o Proposal Services 
Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 
2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-2245, 
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Proposals that are delivered by Express mail, courier service, or 
by hand must be submitted to the following address (Note that the zip 
code differs from that shown above): Agricultural Telecommunications 
Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, Office of extramural Programs, 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street 
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.

Part V--Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Selection Process

    1. All proposals will be acknowledged.
    2. Each proposal will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, 
each proposal will be screened to ensure it meets the requirements as 
set forth in this solicitation. Proposals that meet these requirements 
will be technically evaluated by a peer review panel using the criteria 
identified in the annual solicitation, as appropriate. Each proposal 
will be judged on its own merits.
    3. Final decisions will be made by USDA based upon the individual 
views of the panel members and consideration of other factors, 
including the budget limitation.

B. Evaluation Criteria

    The maximum score a proposal can receive is 100 points. The peer 
review panel will be selected and organized to provide maximum 
expertise and objective judgment in the evaluation of proposals. In the 
event the number of proposals accepted exceed dollars available, 
proposals will be ranked and support levels will be recommended by the 
panel(s) within the limitation of total funding available in FY 1998. 
The projects will be judged based on the following criteria.
1. Program Delivery and Innovative Program Development/Production
    (a) Project Need--40 points.
    Did the proposal describe the background and situation leading to 
the need for the project? Is the project based on a need articulated by 
an audience, or on a needs assessment? Are the targeted audience(s) for 
whom the project will be designed described, including pertinent 
history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact on 
audience? If appropriate, are methodology and results of needs 
assessment described? Did the proposal demonstrate the need for 
assistance under this Program, including a statement of financial 
ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed program and the 
impact of participation in this Program on this ability?
    (b) Strategy--40 points. (1) Partnerships and Collaboration. Are 
partnerships and collaborations fostered through this project 
described, including expected impact and benefit to those involved such 
as learner, institution, agency, state, and nation? Is there evidence 
that partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a 
substantial role and interest in the project and are examples of role 
and interest given, including joint risk taking and shared benefits? Is 
evidence provided of any current affiliations with established 
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a 
wide geographical area?
    (ii) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies. Does the proposal 
include a plan for the development and employment of alternative 
distance learning technologies including, but not limited to, internet, 
multimedia, audio/visual, and other telecommunications technologies?
    (iii) Infrastructure. Does the proposal include a framework 
representing both the technological and human infrastructure including, 
but not limited to, technical trouble-shooting, scheduling and 
operation management, and learner and program support? Is there 
evidence of learner support including, but not limited to, facilitation 
of access, accommodation for diversity in special needs and learning 
styles, and recognition of need for alternative modes of program design 
and delivery?
    (iv) Innovation. Does the proposal describe how the application of 
distance education/learning delivery identified in the project is 
innovative? Are examples provided that may include, but are not limited 
to, approaches in reaching audiences; methods of connectivity and/or 
interaction; use of existing resources with innovations in the 
teaching/learning transaction; entrepreneurial approaches to distance 
education delivery.
    (v) Outreach Plan. Is there an outreach plan articulating an 
approach for informing others about positive and negative outcomes, 
results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, and findings from the 
project?
    (vi) Evaluation Plan. Are both formative and summative design for 
evaluating specific aspects of the project described? Do they include 
evaluating the overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching 
and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application, 
meeting learner needs, and/or potential for replication?
    (c) Sustainability--20 points. (i) Project Sustainability. Does the 
proposal present strong evidence of the project's ability to continue 
and grow after receiving the funding? Does this evidence include 
replication by others; continued funding other than from this program, 
or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and results 
of project by others?
    (ii) Cost/Benefit. Does the proposal include a cost-benefit 
analysis of the proposed project, including comparison to other 
delivery methods, relative benefit to learner, and staffing costs 
versus benefits?
2. Capacity Building
    (a) Project Need--20 points. Did the proposal describe the 
background and situation leading to the need for the project? Is the 
project based on a need articulated by an audience, or on a needs 
assessment? Are the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be 
designed described, including pertinent history identified in terms of 
need, demographics, and expected impact on an audience? If appropriate, 
are the

[[Page 33496]]

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

Part VI--Supplementary Information

A. Access to Peer Review Information

    Information regarding the peer review process will be made 
available to the extent permitted under the Freedom of Information Act 
(5 U.S.C. 552), the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a), and implementing 
Departmental and other Federal regulations. Implementing Departmental 
regulations are found at 7 CFR Part 1.

B. Grant Awards

1. General
    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible 
applicants whose proposals are judged most meritorious in the announced 
program area and under the procedures set forth in this solicitation. 
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 by CSREES under 
this solicitation 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).
2. Organizational Management Information
    Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be 
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility 
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this part 
if such information has not been provided previously under this or 
another program for which the sponsoring agency is responsible. Copies 
of forms recommended for use in fulfilling the requirements contained 
in this section will be provided by the sponsoring agency as part of 
the preaward process.
3. Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
    (a) The grant award document shall include, at a minimum, the 
following:
    (1) Legal name and address of performing organization.
    (2) Title of project.
    (3) Name(s) and address(es) of Project Director(s).
    (4) Identifying grant number assigned by the Department.
    (5) Project period, which specifies how long the Department intends 
to support the effort.
    (6) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved 
during the project period.
    (7) Legal authority under which the grant is awarded.
    (8) Approved budget plan for categorizing project funds to 
accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award.
    (9) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by the 
Department to carry out its granting activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular grant.
    (b) The notice of grant award, in the form of a letter, will 
provide pertinent instructions and information to the grantee which are 
not included in the grant award document described above.

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. Change in project plans. (a) The permissible changes by the 
grantee, project director(s), or other key project personnel in the 
approved project grant shall be limited to changes in methodology, 
techniques, or other aspects of the project to expedite achievement of 
the project's approved goals. If the grantee and/or the project 
director(s) are uncertain as to whether a change complies with this 
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental 
Officer (ADO) for a final determination.
    (b) Changes in approved goals, or objectives, shall be requested by 
the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes. In no event shall requests 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 ADO prior to effecting such 
changes.
    (d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic 
work in

[[Page 33497]]

whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether or not 
Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the grantee and 
approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers.
    3. Changes in project period. The project period may be extended by 
CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional 
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project. Any extension of time shall be 
conditioned upon prior request by the grantee and approval in writing 
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of 
a grant.
    4. Changes in approved budget. Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to 
instituting such changes if the revision will result in a need or claim 
for the award of additional funds or involve transfers or expenditures 
of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the applicable 
Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or in the grant 
award.

D. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations that Apply

    Several other Federal statutes and/or regulations apply to grant 
proposals considered for review and to project grants awarded under 
this part. These include but are not limited to:
    7 CFR Part 1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information 
Act.
    7 CFR Part 3, as amended by 62 FR 40924 and 60451--USDA 
implementation of OMB Circular A-129, regarding debt collection.
    7 CFR Part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
    7 CFR Part 3015, as amended by 62 FR 45947--USDA Uniform Federal 
Assistance Regulations, implementing OMB directives (i.e., Circular 
Nos. A-21, and A-22) 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 3017, as amended by 61 FR 250, January 4, 1996--USDA 
implementation of Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Grants).
    7 CFR Part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. 
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and loans.
    7 CFR Part 3019, as amended by 62 FR 45934--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--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133, 
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Institutions.
    7 CFR 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
    29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR 
Part 15B (USDA implementation of statute), prohibiting discrimination 
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
    35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of 
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and 
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally 
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR 
part 401).

E. Other Conditions

    The Department may, with respect to any grant, impose additional 
conditions prior to or at the time of any award when, in the 
Department's judgment, such conditions are necessary to assure or 
protect advancement of the approved project, the interests of the 
public, or the conservation of grant funds.

    Done at Washington, D.C., on this 11th day of June, 1998.
Colien Hefferan,
Acting Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16155 Filed 6-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-M