[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 46 (Thursday, March 8, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14048-14056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-5592]



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Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service



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Request for Proposals (RFP): Community Food Projects; Competitive 
Grants Program, Fiscal Year 2001; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 46 / Thursday, March 8, 2001 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Request for Proposals (RFP): Community Food Projects Competitive 
Grants Program, Fiscal Year 2001

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

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals and request for input.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
established new authority for a program of Federal grants to: support 
the development of community food projects designed to meet the food 
needs of low-income people; increase the self-reliance of communities 
in providing for their own food needs; and promote comprehensive 
responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
    This RFP sets out the objectives for these projects, the 
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application 
procedures. Proposals are requested for projects designed to increase 
food security in a community (termed Community Food Projects).
    This RFP contains the entire set of instructions needed to apply 
for a Fiscal Year (FY) 2001 Community Food Projects Competitive Grants 
Program (CFPCGP) grant.
    By this notice, CSREES additionally solicits stakeholder input from 
any interested party regarding the FY 2001 Community Food Projects 
Competitive Grants Program for use in development of any future 
requests for proposals for this program.

DATES: Proposals must be received on or before May 18, 2001.
    User comments are requested on or before September 10, 2001. 
Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent 
practicable.

ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: 
Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program; c/o Proposal 
Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room 1307, Waterfront Center; 
800 9th Street, SW.; Washington, DC 20024.
    Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program; 
c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2245.
    Written user comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy and 
Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA--CSREES; 
STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or 
via e-mail to: [email protected]. In your comments, please include 
the name of the program and the fiscal year of the RFP to which you are 
responding.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mark R. Bailey, Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 2241, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20250-2241; telephone: (202) 401-1898; [email protected], or Dr. 
Elizabeth Tuckermanty, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2241, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2241, telephone: (202) 
205-0241; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Part I--General Information
    A. Authorities
    B. Purpose, Scope, and Fund Availability
    C. Definitions
    D. Eligibility
    E. Matching Requirements
Part II--Preparation of a Proposal
    A. Program Application Material
    B. Content of Proposals
    C. Submission of Proposals
    D. Acknowledgment of Proposals
Part III--Review Process
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Factors
    C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
Part IV--Additional Information
    A. Access to Peer Review Information
    B. Grant Awards
    C. Use of Funds; Changes
    D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
    E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
    F. Regulatory Information

Stakeholder Input

    CSREES is requesting comments regarding the FY 2001 Community Food 
Projects Competitive Grants Program solicitation for applications from 
any interested party. In your comments, please include the name of the 
program and the fiscal year solicitation for applications to which you 
are responding. These comments will be considered in the development of 
any future RFP for the program. CSREES has determined that this program 
is not an agricultural research, extension, or education program for 
the purposes of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, 7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2). 
Therefore, CSREES is not required by statute to solicit stakeholder 
input regarding this RFP. CSREES, however, always welcomes constructive 
comments from interested parties regarding a RFP or particular program. 
Comments should be submitted as provided in the Addresses and Dates 
portions of this Notice. The e-mail address in the Addresses portion is 
intended only for receiving comments regarding the FY 2001 CFPCGP 
solicitation, and not for requesting information or forms.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under 10.225, Community Food Projects Competitive Grants 
Program.

Part I--General Information

A. Authorities

    Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended by Section 
401(h) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
(Pub. L. No. 104-127) (7 U.S.C. 2034), authorized a new program of 
Federal grants to support the development of community food projects.
    CSREES intends to publish in the near future proposed regulations 
governing the administration of this program. CSREES anticipates 
finalizing the proposed regulations prior to the award of grants under 
this RFP. Awards resulting from this RFP will be subject to the final 
regulations.
    Currently, the RFP and draft proposed regulations are consistent. 
Because of the nature of the rule making process, these requirements 
are subject to change based upon comments received. Applicants whose 
proposals are recommended for funding must agree to be bound by the 
final rule as a condition of receiving an award under this program.

B. Purpose, Scope and Fund Availability

1. Purpose and Scope
    The purpose of the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants 
Program (CFPCGP) is to support the development of Community Food 
Projects with a one-time infusion of Federal dollars to make such 
projects self-sustaining. Community Food Projects should be designed 
to: (i) Meet the food needs of low-income people; (ii) increase the 
self-reliance of communities in

[[Page 14049]]

providing for their own food needs; and (iii) promote comprehensive 
responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
    Community Food Projects are intended to take a comprehensive 
approach to developing long-term solutions that help to ensure food 
security in communities by linking the food production and processing 
sectors to community development, economic opportunity, and 
environmental enhancement. Comprehensive solutions may include elements 
such as: (i) Improved access to high quality, affordable food among 
low-income households; (ii) expanded economic opportunities for 
community residents through local businesses or other economic 
development, improved employment opportunities, job training, youth 
apprenticeship, school-to-work transition, and the like, and (iii) 
support for local food systems, from urban gardening to local farms 
that provide high quality fresh foods, ideally with minimal adverse 
environmental impact. Any solution proposed must tie into community 
food needs.
    Project goals should integrate multiple objectives into their 
design. Proposed projects should seek to address impacts beyond a 
specific goal such as increasing food produced or available for a 
specific group. Goals and objectives should integrate economic, social, 
and environmental impacts such as job training, employment 
opportunities, small business expansion, neighborhood revitalization, 
open space development, transportation assistance or other community 
enhancements.
    Proposed projects should seek comprehensive solutions to problems 
across all levels of the food system, not only short-term food relief. 
This point is emphasized because some proposals submitted previously 
were primarily for expanding applicant efforts in food relief and 
assistance, or for connecting established or partially established 
programs (such as community gardens and farmers' markets), with little 
evidence of strategic planning and participation by stakeholders in the 
proposed project design. Proposals should emphasize a food system and/
or food security approach and show evidence of information sharing, 
coalition building, and substantial community linkages.
    Applicants should be aware of several USDA and Federal activities 
that have the potential to strengthen the impact and success of some 
Community Food Projects. These include food recovery and gleaning 
efforts; connecting low-income urban consumers with rural food 
producers; aiding citizens in leaving public assistance and achieving 
self-sufficiency; and utilizing microenterprise and/or development 
projects related to community food needs. Other relevant and ongoing 
Federal initiatives include: USDA farmers' markets; USDA's Office of 
Sustainable Development and Small Farms; USDA and U.S. Department of 
Housing and Urban Development designated Empowerment Zones and 
Enterprise Communities; and the AmeriCorps National Service Program.
    Applicants should recognize the role played by food and nutrition 
assistance programs administered by USDA. Applicants may choose to 
discuss, in their proposals, the utilization of these programs by the 
community in connection with the proposed Community Food Project. These 
programs include: The Food Stamp Program; child nutrition programs such 
as the School Lunch, School Breakfast, Women, Infants, and Children 
(WIC) Supplemental Nutrition, Child and Adult Care Food, and Summer 
Food Service Programs; and commodity distribution programs.
    Resources available from other Federal programs such as the 
Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) and Job Opportunities for 
Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program (administered by the Office of 
Community Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services), may also impact Community Food Projects.
    The primary objectives of the CFPCGP are to increase the food self-
reliance of communities; promote comprehensive responses to local food, 
farm and nutrition issues; develop innovative linkages between the 
public, for-profit, and nonprofit food sectors; and encourage long-term 
planning activities and comprehensive multi-agency approaches.
    Community Food Projects are intended to bring together stakeholders 
from the distinct parts of the food system. Solutions to hunger and 
access to food should reflect a process that involves partnership 
building among the public, private nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. 
Together, these parties can address issues such as: The capacity of the 
community to produce food and support local growers; the need for, and 
location of, grocery stores that market affordable, high quality food; 
transportation to provide access to food supplies; economic 
opportunities for residents to increase income, thereby increasing 
economic access to high quality nutritious food; community development 
issues; and the environment. Wherever possible, Community Food Projects 
should support food systems based on strategies that improve the 
availability of high-quality locally or regionally produced foods to 
low-income people. Community Food Projects should build on these local 
experiences andencourage innovative long-term efforts. A project should 
be designed to endure and outlive the one-time infusion of Federal 
funds. Community Food Projects should be designed to become self-
supporting (or have a sustainable funding source). Projects also should 
have the potential to be a replicable model. Examples of previously 
funded Community Food Projects may be viewed on the Internet in the 
CFPCGP website at http://www.reeusda.gov/crgam/cfp/community.htm.
2. Fund Availability
    The amount of funds available in FY 2001 for support of grant 
awards under this program is approximately $2,400,000.
    Applicants should request a budget commensurate with the proposed 
project. However, no single grant shall exceed $100,000 in any single 
year or more than $250,000 over three years.
    Applicants may request one, two, or three years of funding, but in 
all cases, the grant term may not exceed three years for any one 
project. A Community Food Project may be supported by only a single 
grant under this program.
    Awards will be made based on the merit of the proposed project with 
budgets considered only after the merits of the project have been 
determined. USDA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with 
successful applicants. The grantee shall perform a substantive portion 
of the project. No more than one-third of a Community Food Project 
award, as determined by budget expenditures, may be subawarded to for-
profit organizations. For additional knowledge or expertise that is not 
available within the applicant organization, funds for expert 
consultation may be included in the ``All Other Direct Costs'' section 
of the proposed budget.

C. Definitions

    For the purpose of awarding grants under this program, the 
following definitions are applicable:
    Administrator means the Administrator of CSREES and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is 
delegated.
    Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any employee 
of the Department who has the authority to

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issue or modify grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary
    Authorized organizational representative means the president, 
director, or chief executive officer or other designated official 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.
    Cash contributions means the applicant's cash outlay, including the 
outlay of money contributed to the applicant by non-Federal third 
parties.
    Community Food Project is a community-based project that requires a 
one-time infusion of Federal assistance to become self-sustaining and 
is designed to increase food security in a community by: (i) Meeting 
the food needs of low-income people; (ii) increasing the self-reliance 
of communities in providing for their own food needs; and (iii) 
promoting comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition 
issues.
    Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    Expert reviewers means individuals selected from among those 
recognized as uniquely qualified by training and experience in their 
respective fields to give expert advice on the merit of grant 
applications in such fields who evaluate eligible proposals submitted 
to this program in their respective area(s) of expertise.
    Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to an eligible 
entity to assist in meeting the costs of conducting, for the benefit of 
the public, an identified Community Food Project.
    Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    Matching means that portion of project costs not borne by the 
Federal Government, including the value of in-kind contributions.
    Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent by 
an authorized departmental officer.
    Private non-profit entity means any nongovernmental corporation, 
trust, association, cooperative or other organization which: (i) Is 
operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or 
similar purposes in the public interest; (ii) is not organized 
primarily for profit; and (iii) uses its net proceeds to maintain, 
improve, and/or expand its operations.
    Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    Project director (PD) means the single individual designated by the 
grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary who is 
responsible for the direction and management of the project.
    Project period means the period, as stated in the award document, 
during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other officer 
or employee of the Department of Agriculture to whom the authority 
involved is delegated.
    Third party in-kind contributions means non-cash contributions of 
property or services including real property, equipment, supplies and 
other expendable property, provided by non-Federal third parties and 
directly benefitting and specifically identifiable to the project.

D. Eligibility

    Private, nonprofit entities meeting the following three 
requirements are eligible to receive a Community Food Project grant:
    a. Have experience in the area of:
    i. Community food work, particularly concerning small and medium-
size farms, including the provision of food to people in low-income 
communities and the development of new markets in low-income 
communities for agricultural producers; or
    ii. Job training and business development activities for food-
related activities in low-income communities;
    b. Demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide fiscal 
accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary 
documentation; and
    c. Demonstrate a willingness to share information with researchers, 
practitioners, and other interested parties.
2. Partners and Collaborators
    Applicants are encouraged to seek and create partnerships with 
public or private, nonprofit or for-profit entities, including links 
with academic and/or other appropriate professionals, community-based 
organizations, and local government entities. Only the applicant must 
meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators 
need not meet the eligibility requirements.

E. Matching Requirements

    Successful Community Food Project applicants must provide matching 
funds amounting to at least 50 percent of the total cost of the project 
during the term of the grant award. The Federal share of Community Food 
Project costs can be no more than 50 percent of the total.
    Community Food Project grantees may provide matching funds through 
cash and/or in-kind contributions, including third-party in-kind 
contributions, fairly evaluated, including facilities. The non-Federal 
share of the funding may come from State government, local government, 
other non-profit entities, or private sources. Examples of qualifying 
matching contributions may include direct costs such as: rent for 
office space used exclusively for the funded project; duplication or 
postage costs; and staff time from an entity other than the applicant 
for job training or nutrition education.

Part II--Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials are available at the CFPCGP website 
(http://www.reeusda.gov/crgam/cfp/community.htm). Program application 
materials also are available from the Proposal Services Unit, Office of 
Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES at (202) 401-5048. These materials may 
also be requested via Internet by sending a message with your name, 
mailing address (not e-mail) and phone number to [email protected]. If 
calling or sending e-mail, please indicate that you want a copy of the 
application materials for the Fiscal Year 2001 Community Food Projects 
Competitive Grants Program.

B. Content of Proposals

1. General
    The proposal should follow these guidelines, enabling reviewers to 
more easily evaluate the merits of each proposal in a systematic, 
consistent fashion:
    (a) The proposal should be prepared on only one side of the page 
using standard size (8\1/2\" x 11") white paper, one inch margins, 
typed or word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and 
single or double spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., 
Geneva, Helvetica, Times Roman).
    (b) Each page of the proposal, beginning after the Project Summary, 
and including the budget pages, required forms, and any appendices, 
should be numbered sequentially in the top right hand corner.
    (c) The proposal should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner. 
Do not bind. An original and 8 copies (9 total) must be submitted in 
one package.

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2. Cover Page
    Each copy of each grant proposal must have as its cover page an 
``Application for Funding,'' Form CSREES-661. One copy of the 
application, preferably the original, must contain the pen-and-ink 
signature(s) of the proposing project director(s) (PD) and the 
authorized organizational representative who possesses the necessary 
authority to commit the organization's time and other relevant 
resources to the project. Any proposed PD or co-PD whose signature does 
not appear on Form CSREES-661 will not be listed on any resulting grant 
award. Complete both signature blocks located at the bottom of the 
``Application for Funding'' form.
    Form CSREES-661 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant 
database; it is therefore important that it be completed accurately. 
The following items are highlighted as having a high potential for 
errors or misinterpretations:
    (a) Title of Proposed Project (Block 6). The title of the proposed 
project must be brief (80-character maximum), yet represent the major 
thrust of the effort being proposed.
    (b) Blocks 7., 13., 18., 19., 20., and 21. have been completed for 
you.
    (c) In Block 8., enter ``Community Food Project.''
    (d) Principal Investigator(s)/Project Director(s) (PI/PD) (Block 
15). 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.
    (e) Other Funding Agencies (Block 22). List the names or acronyms 
of all other public or private funding agencies, including other 
agencies within USDA, and other programs funded by CSREES to whom your 
application has been or might be sent. In the event you decide to send 
your application to another organization or agency at a later date, you 
must inform the identified CSREES Program Director as soon as 
practicable. Submitting your proposal to other potential funding 
agencies will not prejudice its review by CSREES; however, duplicate 
support for the same project will not be provided.
3. Table of Contents
    For consistency and ease in locating information, each proposal 
must contain a detailed Table of Contents just after the cover page. 
The Table of Contents should contain page numbers for each component of 
the proposal.
4. Project Summary
    The Project Summary must be 250 words or less, on a separate page 
which should be placed immediately after the Table of Contents and 
should not be numbered. The names and organizations of all PDs and co-
PDs should be listed on this form, in addition to the title of the 
project. The summary should be a self-contained, specific description 
of the activity to be undertaken and should focus on overall project 
goal(s) and supporting objectives, and plans to accomplish the project 
goal(s). The importance of a concise, informative Project Summary 
cannot be overemphasized.
5. Prior CFPCGP Funding
    If an applicant has previously received CFPCGP support, information 
on the results from prior funding must be included. For each award 
received, list the CFPCGP award number, the title of the project, the 
amount and period of support, a brief summary of the results completed, 
and the actual and anticipated long-term effects of these results. This 
information should be provided on a separate page, immediately 
following the project summary.
6. Project Narrative
    For Community Food Project Proposals, the Project Narrative shall 
not exceed 10 single- or double-spaced pages of written text. To ensure 
fair and equitable competition, reviewers are instructed to read only 
the first 10 pages of a project narrative and may ignore information on 
additional pages. The Project Narrative must repeat and respond to the 
eight points in (a) through (h) below:
    a. The Community To Be Served and the Needs To Be Addressed. 
Identify and succinctly describe the critical elements and needs of the 
local food economy or food system, including demographics, income, and 
geographic characteristics of the area to be served.
    b. The Organizations Involved in the Project. List the 
organizations to be involved in carrying out the proposed project and 
the segments of the local food economy or system they link.
    Include a description of the relevant experience of each 
organization, including the applicant organization, that will be 
involved, and any project history. Proposals should demonstrate 
extensive community linkages and coalitions. Letters from the 
organizations involved acknowledging their support and contributions 
must be provided in an appendix to the proposal. Letters specifying the 
type and amount of support, where appropriate, are strongly encouraged 
to provide evidence of community involvement.
    c. Project Goals and Purposes. List the goals and/or purposes of 
the project and a justification for the goals in terms of the 
identified need(s).
    d. Activities to Achieve the Goals. Discuss how the goals will be 
achieved. Provide a systematic description of the approach by which the 
goals will be accomplished.
    e. Timeline. Identify the major milestones that will indicate 
progress toward achieving the project goals. Provide a timeline or 
systematic description of the approach for accomplishing major project 
objectives.
    f. Relationship to Program Objectives. Discuss how the project will 
make progress toward addressing the three major objectives of the 
CFPCGP. Each Community Food Project, by definition, must be designed 
to: (i) meet the food needs of low-income people; (ii) increase the 
self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs; and 
(iii) promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm and nutrition 
issues.
    In addressing the objectives, applicants may want to describe how 
the project fosters: innovative linkages and coalitions between two or 
more sectors of the food system; entrepreneurial, job training, and 
microenterprise opportunities; and short-term and long-term planning to 
promote community food security through multiple activities conducted 
in collaboration with other entities.
    g. Evaluation. Community Food Project proposals should contain a 
strong evaluation component. Innovative evaluation strategies are 
especially encouraged. Evaluations should focus on the measurement of 
success in meeting the three objectives of the CFPCGP.
    Through CFPCGP project operations and an evaluation of them, USDA 
also hopes to learn more about what happens to make such projects 
succeed, partially succeed, or fail. Therefore, proposals are 
encouraged that include both process evaluations (developing and 
monitoring indicators of progress towards the objectives) and outcome 
evaluations (to determine whether the objectives were met). Applicants 
should seek the help of experts in evaluation design and 
implementation, as appropriate.
    h. Self-Sustainability. Describe how a one-time infusion of Federal 
funds will be sufficient for the proposed Community Food Project to 
advance local capacity-building and achieve sustainability. 
Entrepreneurial projects should provide evidence (e.g., a market 
analysis or the outline of a business plan) to demonstrate that it is 
likely to

[[Page 14052]]

become self-sustaining and provide employees with important job skills.
7. Key Personnel
    Identify the key personnel to be involved in the project, including 
the project director, if known, and describe their relevant experience. 
In the Appendix, include resumes or vitae that provide adequate 
information for reviewers to make an informed judgment as to the 
capabilities and experience of the key personnel. For new positions in 
the project or for positions that are currently unfilled, a job 
description should be provided. An applicant should include an 
organizational chart, if available, detailing where the project fits in 
the overall organization.
8. Collaborative and/or Subcontractual Arrangements
    If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or 
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be 
fully explained and justified. Evidence, in the form of a letter, 
signed and dated, from the collaborator/subcontractor that details the 
services that will be provided, and a budget and a budget narrative, 
should be provided as an appendix to the grant application. If the need 
for consultant services is anticipated, the proposal narrative should 
provide a justification for the use of such services, a statement of 
work to be performed, the rate of pay, and a resume or curriculum vita 
for each consultant. For purposes of proposal development, informal 
day-to-day contacts between key project personnel and outside experts 
are not considered to be collaborative arrangements and thus do not 
need to be detailed.
    All anticipated subcontractual arrangements also should be 
explained and justified in this section. A proposed statement of work 
and a budget and budget narrative for each arrangement involving the 
transfer of substantive programmatic work or the providing of financial 
assistance to a third party must be provided.
    If you expect to enter into subcontractual arrangements, please 
note that the provisions contained in 7 CFR part 3019, USDA Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grant and Agreements with Institutions 
of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations, and 
the general provisions contained in 7 CFR part 3015.205, USDA Uniform 
Federal Assistance Regulations, flow down to subrecipients. In 
addition, required clauses from Sections 40-48 (``Procurement 
Standards'') and Appendix A (``Contract Provisions'') to 7 CFR part 
3019 should be included in final contractual documents, and it is 
necessary for the subawardee to make a certification relating to 
debarment/suspension.
9. Budget
    a. Budget Form--Prepare the Community Food Projects Competitive 
Grants Program budget form in accordance with instructions provided. A 
separate budget form is required for each year of requested support. In 
addition, a cumulative budget and budget narrative (see section b. 
below) is required detailing the total support requested for the 
overall project period. The budget form may be reproduced as needed by 
applicants. Funds may be requested under any of the categories listed 
on the form, provided that the item or service for which support is 
requested is allowable under the authorizing legislation, the 
applicable Federal cost principles, and these program guidelines, and 
can be justified as necessary for the successful conduct of the 
proposed project.
    The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal 
budget(s):
    1. Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages are allowable charges and 
may be requested for personnel who will be working on the project in 
proportion to the time such personnel will devote to the project. If 
salary funds are requested, the number of Senior and Other Personnel 
and the number of CSREES-Funded Work Months must be shown in the spaces 
provided. Grant funds may not be used to augment the total salary or 
rate of salary of project personnel or to reimburse them for time in 
addition to a regular full-time salary covering the same general period 
of employment. Salary funds requested must be consistent with the 
normal policies of the institution.
    2. Fringe Benefits. Funds may be requested for fringe benefit costs 
if the usual accounting practices of your organization provide that 
organizational contributions to employee benefits (social security, 
retirement, etc.) be treated as direct costs. Fringe benefit costs may 
be included only for those personnel whose salaries are charged as a 
direct cost to the project.
    3. Nonexpendable Equipment. Nonexpendable equipment means tangible 
nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged 
directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an 
acquisition cost of $5,000 (or lower, depending on institutional 
policy) or more per unit. As such, items of necessary instrumentation 
or other nonexpendable equipment should be listed individually by 
description and estimated cost in the Budget Narrative. This applies to 
revised budgets as well, as the equipment item(s) and amount(s) may 
change.
    4. Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials and 
supplies which are required to carry out the project should be 
indicated in general terms with estimated costs in the Budget 
Narrative. Please do not use words such as ``miscellaneous items.''
    5. Travel. The type and extent of travel and its relationship to 
project objectives should be described briefly and justified. Airfare 
allowances normally will not exceed round-trip jet economy air 
accommodations. U.S. flag carriers must be used when available. See 7 
CFR part 3015.205(b)(4) for further guidance.
    6. All Other Direct Costs. Anticipated direct project charges not 
included in other budget categories must be itemized with estimated 
costs and justified in the Budget Narrative. This also applies to 
revised budgets, as the item(s) and dollar amount(s) may change. 
Examples may include space rental at remote locations, subcontractual 
costs, postage and printing costs, and charges for consulting services, 
telephone, facsimile, shipping costs, and fees necessary for laboratory 
analyses. You are encouraged to consult the ``Instructions for 
Completing the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program 
Budget'' for additional guidance relating to this budget category. Form 
AD-1048 must be completed by each subcontractor or consultant and 
retained by the grantee.
    7. Indirect Costs. If available, the current rate negotiated with 
the cognizant Federal negotiating agency should be used. Indirect costs 
may not exceed the negotiated rate. If a negotiated rate is used, the 
percentage and base should be indicated in the space allotted under 
item K. on the Budget Form. If no rate has been negotiated, a 
reasonable dollar amount for indirect costs may be requested, which 
will be subject to approval by USDA. In the latter case, if a proposal 
is recommended for funding, an indirect cost rate proposal must be 
submitted prior to award to support the amount of indirect costs 
requested. CSREES will request an indirect cost rate proposal and 
provide instructions, as necessary. A proposer may elect not to charge 
indirect costs and, instead, use all grant funds for direct costs. If 
indirect costs are not charged, the phrase ``None

[[Page 14053]]

requested'' should be written in this space.
    b. Budget Narrative. All budget categories, with the exception of 
Indirect Costs for which funding is requested, must be individually 
listed (with costs) and justified on a separate sheet of paper and 
placed immediately behind the cumulative Budget Form.
    c. Matching Funds. As stated in part I.E., matching funds are 
mandatory for Community Food Projects. All the applicants matching 
support should be shown on the original budget in the appropriate 
categories (salary, material and supplies, equipment, etc.) A budget 
narrative for these items should also be included. Proposals should 
include written verification of commitments of matching support 
(including both cash and in-kind contributions) from third parties. 
Written verification means:
    (i) 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; (5) a statement that the donor will pay 
the cash contribution during the grant period; and (6) whether the 
applicant can designate cash as the applicant deems necessary or the 
cash contribution has been designated to a particular budget item; and
    (ii) 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 
third party in-kind contribution; and (5) a statement that the donor 
will make the contribution during the grant period.
    The sources and amounts 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 Narrative. All 
pledge agreements must be placed in the proposal immediately following 
the summary of matching support.
    The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be 
established in accordance with applicable cost principles. Applicants 
should refer to the following for further guidance and other 
requirements relating to matching and allowable costs: 7 CFR part 3019, 
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit 
Organizations; OMB Circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational 
Institutions; OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit 
Organizations; Federal Acquisition Regulations (48 CFR subpart 31.2, 
Principles for determining costs with profitmaking firms and those 
nonprofit organizations that are specifically excluded from the 
provisions of OMB Circular No. A-122); and 7 CFR part 3015, the USDA 
Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
10. Current and Pending Support
    All proposals must contain Form CSREES-663 listing other current 
publicly or privately supported (including in-house) projects 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 for this proposed project. Analogous information 
must be provided for any pending proposals including, Community Food 
Projects, 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 by CSREES for this purpose. However, a proposal that 
duplicates or overlaps substantially with a proposal already reviewed 
and funded (or to be funded) by another organization or agency will not 
be funded under this program. Note that the project being proposed 
should be included in the pending section of the form.
11. Certifications
    By signing Form CSREES-661 the applicant is providing the 
certifications required by 7 CFR part 3017, 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. These forms should not be 
submitted with the proposal since by signing form CSREES-661 your 
organization is providing the required certifications. If the project 
will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a form AD-1048 to the grantee organization for 
retention in their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.
12. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Form 
CSREES-1234
    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (CSREES supplemental regulations 
implementing NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed project is 
to be provided to CSREES so that CSREES may determine whether any 
further action is needed. In most 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, the specific 
exclusion, and the reasons therefore. Form CSREES-1234 and supporting 
documentation should be included as the last component of the proposal.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an 
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity. This will 
be the case in rare instances when substantial controversy on 
environmental grounds exists or other extraordinary conditions or 
circumstances are present which may cause such activity to have a 
significant environmental effect.

C. Submission of Proposals

1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
    Proposals must be received on or before May 18, 2001. Proposals 
received after this date will not be considered for funding.
2. What To Submit
    An original and eight copies must be submitted. All copies of the 
proposal must be submitted in one package.
3. Where To Submit
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed proposals 
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the 
USDA. The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals submitted 
using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Community Food 
Projects Competitive

[[Page 14054]]

Grants Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room 
1307, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, S.W.; Washington, DC 20024.
    Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program; 
c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245.

D. Acknowledgment of Proposals

    The receipt of proposals will be acknowledged by e-mail. Therefore, 
applicants are encouraged to provide e-mail addresses, where 
designated, on the Form CSREES-661. If the applicant's e-mail address 
is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge receipt of the proposal by 
letter.
    Once the proposal has been assigned an identification number, 
please cite that number on all future correspondence. If the applicant 
does not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of the submission 
deadline, please contact the Program Director.

Part III--Review Process

A. General

    Each proposal will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, each 
proposal will be screened to ensure it meets the basic eligibility 
requirements as set forth in this RFP. Proposals not meeting the 
eligibility requirements will be returned without review. Second, each 
proposal that meets the eligibility requirements will be evaluated and 
judged on its merits by expert reviewers.
    Since the award process must be completed by September 30, 2001, 
applicants should submit fully developed proposals that meet all the 
requirements set forth in this RFP and have fully developed budgets as 
well. However, USDA does retain the right to conduct discussions with 
applicants to resolve technical and/or budget issues as it deems 
necessary.
    A number of expert reviewers will conduct the merit review based on 
the evaluation criteria. These reviewers will be drawn from a number of 
areas, among them government, universities, non-profit organizations, 
and other pertinent entities involved in community food security or 
similar activities. The views of the individual reviewers will be used 
by CSREES to determine which proposals will be recommended to the 
Administrator for funding. Evaluated proposals will be ranked based on 
merit. Final approval for those proposals recommended for an award will 
be made by the Administrator.
    There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or 
to make a specific number of awards. Care will be taken to avoid 
actual, potential, and the appearance of conflicts of interest among 
reviewers. Evaluations will be confidential to USDA staff members, 
expert reviewers, and the project director(s), to the extent permitted 
by law.

B. Evaluation Factors

    The evaluation of Community Food Project proposals by expert 
reviewers will be based on the following criteria, weighted relative to 
each other, and assigned a point value, as noted in the parentheses 
following each criteria discussion.
    1. How well the proposed project addresses the three statutory 
CFPCGP objectives of: (i) meeting the food needs of low-income people; 
(ii) increasing the self-reliance of communities in providing for their 
own food needs; and (iii) promoting comprehensive responses to local 
food, farm, and nutrition issues (20 points);
    2. How significant are the food security issues that will be 
addressed by the proposed project, and is there an informative 
description of the community, its characteristic, assets, and needs (15 
points);
    3. The appropriateness of the goals and purposes of the project and 
how these goals will be achieved. Proposed project activities should be 
designed to address one or more of the following goals, which will be 
given equal weight: (i) Developing linkages between two or more sectors 
of the food system; (ii) supporting the development of entrepreneurial 
activities; (iii) developing innovative linkages between the for-profit 
and nonprofit food sectors; and (iv) encouraging long-term planning 
activities and multi-system, interagency approaches (20 points);
    4. The relevance of the experience of the organizations that are 
involved in the proposed project, including the applicant entity, and 
the type and extent of support that other organizations will be 
providing. Applicant organizations should demonstrate a history of 
commitment to and direct involvement in food security projects in low-
income communities or in communities with low-income groups. The 
qualifications of staff involved with the proposed project and/or 
organizational leadership should reflect the expertise necessary to 
carry out the proposed activities or similar types of activities. 
Experience in and connections with the community will be considered as 
important as academic or professional credentials in this regard (15 
points);
    5. The viability of plans for realistically achieving self-
sufficiency with a one-time infusion of Federal funds. Entrepreneurial 
projects should provide evidence (e.g., a market analysis or the 
outline of a business plan) to demonstrate that it is likely to become 
self-sustaining. Other projects should identify actual or potential 
funding sources for continuation of the project after Federal funding 
has ended (15 points);
    6. The strength of the proposed project's evaluation component and 
how it will contribute to the evaluation of the CFPCGP on a national 
basis (10 points); and
    7. The time line for accomplishing project goals and objectives is 
realistic and achievable (5 points).

C. Conflicts-of-Interest and Confidentiality

    During the evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to 
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts-of-interest that may impact 
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflict-of-
interest the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution 
shall be determined by reference to the January 1998 issue of the 
Codebook for Compatible Statistical Reporting of Federal Support to 
Universities, Colleges, and Nonprofit Institutions, prepared by Quantum 
Research Corporation for the National Science Foundation.
    Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as 
proposal content and evaluations, will be kept confidential, except to 
those involved in the review process, to the extent allowed by law. In 
addition, the identities of expert reviewers will remain confidential 
throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names of reviewers 
will not be released to applicants.

Part IV--Additional Information

A. Access to Review Information

    Copies of summary reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, 
will be sent to the applicant PD after the review process has been 
completed.

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

[[Page 14055]]

proposals are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in 
this RFP. The date specified by the Administrator as the effective date 
of the grant shall be no later than September 30. It should be noted 
that the project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but 
as soon thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained 
within the funded project period. All funds granted by CSREES under 
this RFP shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds 
are granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, the 
regulations, 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 RFP, 
if such information has not been provided previously under this or 
another CSREES program. CSREES will provide copies of forms recommended 
for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward 
process.
(3) Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
    The grant award document shall include at a minimum the following:
    (a) Legal name and address of performing organization or 
institution to whom the Administrator has awarded the grant;
    (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;
    (f) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by 
the Administrator during the project period;
    (g) Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is awarded;
    (h) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds 
to accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
    (i) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to 
carry out its respective granting activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular grant.
    The notice of grant award, in the form of a letter, will be 
prepared and will provide pertinent instructions or information to the 
grantee that is not included in the grant award document. All grants 
awarded under this program will be awarded using a funding mechanism 
whereby 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
    Unless the terms and conditions of the grant state otherwise, 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, PD(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 or 
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this 
provision, the question must be referred to the CSREES 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 CSREES 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 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 ADO prior to effecting such transfers, 
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the grant.
    (e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended 
by CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional 
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project. Any extension of time shall be 
conditioned upon prior request by the grantee and approval in writing 
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of 
a grant, but in no case shall a grant period of performance exceed 
three (3) years.
    (f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to 
instituting such changes if the revision will 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. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations

    Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
proposals considered for review and to grants awarded under this 
program. These include but are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1.1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information 
Act.
    7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129 
regarding debt collection.
    7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
    7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 
implementing OMB directives, (e.g., Circulars Nos. A-21 and A-122) and 
incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308, as well as general 
policy requirements applicable to recipients of Departmental financial 
assistance.
    7 CFR part 3016--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 Restrictions on Lobbying. 
Imposes on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative 
agreements, and loans prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and 
certification related to lobbying.
    7 CFR part 3019--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and 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 Non-profit Organizations.

[[Page 14056]]

    7 CFR part 3407--CSREES supplemental regulations for implementation 
of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
    29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR 
Part 15d (USDA implementation of statute)--prohibiting discrimination 
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
    35 U.S.C. 200, et seq., Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of 
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and 
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally 
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR 
part 401).

E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

    (1) 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 
confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in 
confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information 
that the applicant wishes to have considered as confidential, 
privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked within the 
proposal.
    (2) When a proposal does not result in a grant the original copy 
will be retained by the CSREES for a period of one year. Other copies 
will be destroyed. Such a proposal will be released only with the 
consent of the applicant or to the extent required by law. A proposal 
may be withdrawn at any time prior to the final action thereon.

F. 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. Under 
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 as amended (44 
U.S.C. chapter 35), the collection of information requirements 
contained in this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 
0524-0022.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 1st day of March, 2001.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-5592 Filed 3-7-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P