[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44168-44171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16502]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Risk Management Agency


Request for Applications (RFA): Research Partnerships for Risk 
Management Development and Implementation

AGENCY: Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, USDA.

ACTION: Announcement of availability of funds and request for 
application.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 522 of the Federal Crop Insurance 
Act (Act) the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) announces the 
availability of approximately $2 million for partnership agreements 
that will fund risk management research and development activities. 
Priority will be given to those activities addressing the need for risk 
management tools for producers of Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance 
Program (NAP) crops, specialty crops, and underserved commodities. 
Awards, on a competitive basis, may be for a period of up to two years. 
Recipients of awards must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a 
partnership agreement and must agree to substantial involvement of RMA 
in the project. This announcement lists the information needed to 
submit an application for these funds.

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    Closing Date: The deadline for submission for all applications is 5 
p.m. CST on August 15, 2002. The agency will not consider applications 
received after the deadline.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Applicants may download an application package 
from the Risk Management Agency Website at: http:\\www.rma.usda.gov. 
Applicants may also request an application package from: David W. Fulk, 
Risk Management Agency, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64133-4676, phone: (816) 926-6343, fax: (816) 926-7343, e-
mail: [email protected].
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed and signed 
application packages using overnight mail or delivery service to ensure 
timely receipt by the USDA. The applicable address for such submissions 
is: RMA/RED Partnership Agreement Program, Risk Management Agency, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676, e-mail: 
[email protected].
    Completed and signed application packages sent via the U.S. Postal 
Service must be sent to the following address: RMA/RED Partnership 
Agreement Program, c/o David W. Fulk, USDA, Risk Management Agency, 
6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676. 
Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service should allow for extra 
security-processing time for mail delivered to government offices.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as 
amended (44 U.S.C. chapter 25), the collection of information 
requirements contained in this announcement have been approved under 
OMB Document Nos. 0348-0043, 0348-0044, and 0348-0046.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program 
is 10.450.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of six parts:

Part I--General Information
    A. Legislative Authority
    B. Background
    C. Project Objectives
    D. Purpose
Part II--Eligibility/Funding
    A. Eligible Applicants
    B. Project Period
    C. Availability of Funds
Part III--Research Program Description
    A. Recipient Activities
    B. RMA Activities
Part IV--Preparation of an Application
    A. Program Application Materials
    B. Content of Applications
    C. Submission of Applications
    D. Acknowledgement of Applications
Part V--Review Process
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights
    C. Confidentiality
Part VI--Additional Information
    A. Access to Panel Review Information
    B. Partnership Agreement Awards
    C. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
    D. Reporting Document
    E. Audit Requirements
    F. Prohibitions and Requirements with Regard to Lobbying

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority

    This program is authorized under section 522(d) and Section 
506(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act), as amended.

B. Background

    RMA is committed to meeting the risk management needs and 
improving or developing risk management tools for the nation's 
farmers and ranchers. It does this by offering Federal crop 
insurance and other risk management products through a network of 
private-sector entities, by overseeing the creation of new products, 
by seeking enhancements in existing products and by ensuring the 
integrity of crop insurance programs.
    RMA's research and contracting mission was strengthened 
significantly when the Act was amended in June of 2000. Section 
522(d) of the Act authorizes RMA to enter into partnerships with 
public and private organizations for the purpose of increasing the 
availability of loss mitigation, financial, and other risk 
management tools for producers with a priority given to risk 
management tools for producers of NAP crops, specialty crops, and 
underserved agricultural commodities.

C. Project Objectives

    The objectives of the partnerships as defined in section 
522(d)(3)(A) through (E) and (G) of the Act are:
     To enhance the notice and timeliness of notice of 
weather conditions that could negatively affect crop yields, 
quality, and final product use in order to allow producers to take 
preventive actions to increase product profitability and 
marketability and to reduce the possibility of crop insurance 
claims;
     To develop a multifaceted approach to pest management 
and fertilization to decrease inputs, decrease environmental 
exposure, and to increase application efficiency;
     To develop or improve techniques for planning, 
breeding, planting, growing, maintaining, harvesting, storing, 
shipping, and marketing that will address quality and quantity 
production challenges associated with year-to-year and regional 
variations;
     To clarify labor requirements and assist producers in 
complying with requirements to better meet the physically intense 
and time-compressed planting, tending, and harvesting requirements 
associated with the production of specialty crops and underserved 
agricultural commodities;
     To provide assistance to State foresters, or equivalent 
officials, for the prescribed use of burning on private forest land 
for the prevention, control, and suppression of fire;
     To develop other risk management tools to further 
increase economic and production stability; and

D. Purpose

    The purpose of this program is to fund partnership agreements 
that assist producers, minimize their production risks, maximize 
their potential income, and improve and/or develop risk management 
tools for the nation's producers. To aid in meeting these goals each 
partnership agreement awarded through this program will provide the 
recipient with funds, guidance, and the substantial involvement of 
RMA to carry out these risk management initiatives.

Part II--Eligibility/Funding

A. Eligible Applicants

    Proposals are invited from qualified public and private 
entities. Eligible applicants include all colleges and universities, 
Federal, State, and local agencies, nonprofit and for-profit private 
organizations or corporations, and other entities. Individuals are 
not eligible applicants. Although an applicant may be eligible to 
compete for an award based on its status as an eligible entity, 
other factors may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal 
assistance under this program (e.g. debarment and suspension, a 
determination of non-performance based on the information 
submitted). Applicants must be able to demonstrate they will receive 
non-financial benefits as a result of the partnership agreement. 
Non-financial benefits must accrue to the applicant and must include 
more than the ability to provide employment income to the applicant 
or for the applicant's employees or the community. The applicant 
must demonstrate that performance under the partnership agreement 
will further the specific mission of the applicant (such as 
providing research or activities necessary for graduate or other 
students to complete their educational programs).

B. Project Period

    Each project will be funded for a period of up to two years for 
the activities described in this announcement. Projects can also be 
in two parts with the first part including the research and 
feasibility studies and the second part including the development of 
the risk management tool. If the development of the tool is 
determined not to be feasible, the partnership may be cancelled 
after completion of the first part.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $2,000,000 is available in FY2002 to fund 
partnership agreements. It is expected that the awards will be made 
on or about September 1, 2002 [30 days after application deadline].

Part III--Research Program Description

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this proposed 
research and development of risk management tools, the recipient 
will be responsible for the activities listed under paragraph A of 
this part. RMA will be responsible for the activities listed under 
paragraph B.

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A. Recipient Activities

    The applicant will be required to perform the following 
activities:
    1. Develop a clear, concise research and development project 
plan. The background, purpose, key project personnel, statement of 
work, deliverables and proposed funding must be thoroughly defined 
and described. The project plan must clearly address one or more of 
the project objectives detailed in Part I section C. Project 
Objectives. The project plan must demonstrate the non-financial 
benefits of the recipient and RMA and define the substantial 
involvement of the RMA.
    2. Coordinate and manage the timely completion of the approved 
research and development activities.
    3. Prepare a monthly summary report of project activities.
    4. Prepare a final written research report if applicable, and 
present the report to RMA.
    5. Prepare the proposed risk management tool and present the 
tool to RMA. If acceptable to RMA, the recipient may be required to 
make a presentation to the Board of Directors.
    6. Prepare educational curriculum and material for producers to 
enable them to utilize the risk management tools developed under the 
partnership agreement and be included in the delivery of the 
education to required producers.

B. RMA Activities

    1. Collaborate on the research plan;
    2. RMA will advise the recipient on the materials available over 
the internet and through the RMA website (http://www.rma.usda.gov) 
and be involved in the gathering of any additional information that 
may be required;.
    3. RMA will work with the recipient in all phases of the 
research and development of the risk management tool, and the 
educational efforts to enable producers to utilize the risk 
management tool; and
    4. Collaborate with the recipient by developing all materials 
associated with the research and development program as it relates 
to publication or presentation of the results and the risk 
management tools to the public, any producer groups, RMA, and the 
Board of Directors.

C. Other Activities

    In addition to the specific activities listed above, the 
applicant may suggest other activities that would contribute 
directly to the purpose of this program. For any additional activity 
suggested, the applicant should identify specific ways in which RMA 
could or should have substantial involvement in that activity.

Part IV--Preparation of an Application

A. Program Application Materials

    Applicants may download an application package from the Risk 
Management Agency website at: http://www.rma.usda.gov. Applicants 
may also request an application package from: David W. Fulk, USDA, 
RMA/ RED, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-
4676, phone: (816) 926-6343, fax: (816) 926-7343, e-mail: [email protected].

B. Content of Applications

    A complete and valid application package must include the 
following:
    1. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application 
for Federal Assistance''.
    2. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget 
Information--Non-construction Programs.'' Indirect cost for projects 
submitted in response to this solicitation are limited to 10 percent 
of the total direct cost of the agreement. Separate funding should 
be proposed for research and development of the risk management 
tools.
    3. A written narrative (limited to 10 single-sided pages) that 
describes the proposed project and its applicability to the program 
objectives in Part I. C. of this RFA. The submission should include 
both the research and development aspects of the risk management 
tools, including the ability to separate research and development 
aspects, if applicable, to permit separate funding. The submission 
should also provide reviewers with sufficient information to 
effectively evaluate the application under the criteria contained in 
Part V.
    4. An appendix containing any attachments that may support 
information in the narrative (Optional)
    5. A statement of the non-financial benefits of any partnership 
agreement to the recipient and RMA.
    6. A completed and signed OMB standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities.''

C. Submission of Applications

    1. An original and two copies of the completed and signed 
application must be submitted in one package at the time of initial 
submission.
    2. All applications must be submitted by the deadline. 
Applications that do not meet all of the requirements in this 
announcement are considered as incomplete applications. Late or 
incomplete applications will not be considered in this competition 
and will be returned to the applicant.
    3. Applications submitted through express, overnight mail or 
another delivery service will be considered as meeting the announced 
deadline if they are received in the mailroom at the address stated 
above for express, overnight mail or another delivery service on or 
before the deadline. Applicants are cautioned that express, 
overnight mail or other delivery services do not always deliver as 
agreed. Applicants should take this into account because failure of 
such delivery services will not extend the deadline. The address 
must appear on the envelope or package containing the application 
with the note ``Attention: RMA/RED Partnership Application''.
    Mailed applications will be considered meeting the announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline in the 
mailroom at the address stated above for mailed applications. 
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in advance, 
to ensure that applications are received on or before the deadline 
time and date. Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service should allow 
for sufficient time for delivery. RMA cannot accommodate 
transmissions of applications by facsimile or through other 
electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted electronically 
will not be accepted regardless of the date or time of submission or 
the time of receipt.

D. Acknowledgement of Applications

    Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever 
possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide e-mail 
addresses in their applications. If an e-mail address is not 
indicated on an application, receipt will be acknowledged by letter. 
When received by RMA, applications will be assigned an 
identification number. This number will be communicated to 
applicants in the acknowledgement of receipt of applications. An 
application identification number should be referenced in all 
correspondence regarding the application. If the applicant does not 
receive an acknowledgement within 15 days of the submission 
deadline, the applicant should contact David Fulk at (816) 926-6343.

Part V--Review Process

A. General

    Each application will be evaluated using a three-part process. 
First, each application will be screened by RMA personnel to ensure 
that it meets the administrative requirements, set forth in this 
announcement.
    Second, each application will be evaluated by RMA and/or USDA 
personnel to determine if the proposal meets the objectives 
established in Part I. C. of this RFA. Section 522(d) requires that 
partnership agreement priority be given for projects that reach 
producers of (a) NAP crops; (b) specialty crops, and (c) underserved 
agricultural commodities. Third, a review panel will consider the 
merits of all applications that pass the final two parts of the 
review process. The panel will be comprised of at least three 
representatives from USDA, other federal agencies, and others 
representing public and private organizations, as needed. The 
narrative and any appendixes provided by each applicant will be used 
by the review panel to evaluate the merits of the proposed research 
and development project. The panel will examine and rank all 
applications and award merit evaluation points based on the 
``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' contained in this RFA.

B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights

    Applications will be evaluated according to the following 
criteria:

1. Research and Development Objectives--Maximum 30 points

    The proposal must clearly define a research and development 
program designed to meet the objectives defined in Part I. C. of 
this RFA. The proposal that addresses the needs of producers of; (a) 
NAP crops; (b) specialty crops; or (c) underserved commodities will 
receive higher rankings.
    The application ranking and scoring for this criterion are:

Numbering and Scoring

Highest--30 points
2nd Highest--24 points
3rd Highest--18 points

[[Page 44171]]

4th Highest--12 points
5th Highest--6 points

2. Indication of RMA Involvement and Non-financial Benefits--Maximum 10 
points

    The proposal clearly indicates areas of substantial involvement 
by RMA in both the research and development of the risk management 
tool, and the educational efforts to encourage producers to utilize 
the risk management tool and the proposal clearly indicates benefits 
derived from the partnership that extend beyond the financial 
benefits or funding of the proposal. Examples of non-financial 
benefits would be the benefits derived by an educational institution 
by providing research and development opportunities to students and 
enhancing the community involvement of the institution.
    Proposals that provide a more balanced involvement of both the 
recipient and RMA will receive higher rankings.
    The application ranking and scoring for this criterion are:

Numbering and Scoring

Highest--10 points
2nd Highest--8 points
3rd Highest--6 points
4th Highest--4 points
5th Highest--2 points

3. Research and Development Approach and Methodology--Maximum 40 points

    The proposal must clearly demonstrate a sound methodology and an 
innovative approach to the development project. The proposal must 
clearly and concisely detail the research to be done, the risk 
management tool that will develop, the educational curriculum, 
materials, and delivery system to enable producers to utilize the 
risk management tool. Proposals that are to the most clear, concise, 
and complete will receive the higher rankings.
    The application ranking and scoring for this criterion are:

Numbering and Scoring

Highest--40 points
2nd Highest--32 points
3rd Highest--24 points
4th Highest--16 points
5th Highest--8 points

4. Management--Maximum 20 points

    The proposal clearly demonstrates the applicants'' ability and 
resources to coordinate and manage the proposed research and 
development project. The proposal demonstrates the research approach 
is cost effective and maximizes the use of the funding. If the 
applicant has been the recipient of other Federal or other 
government grants, cooperative agreements, contracts or 
partnerships, the applicant must also detail that they have 
consistently complied with financial and program reporting and audit 
requirements. Applicants that will employ, or have access to, 
personnel who have experience in risk management and the development 
of risk management tools will receive higher rankings.
    The application ranking and scoring for this criterion are:

Numbering and Scoring

Highest--20 points
2nd Highest--16 points
3rd Highest--12 points
4th Highest--8 points
5th Highest--4 points

C. Confidentiality

    The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in 
the applications, the content of applications, and the panel 
evaluations of applications will all be kept confidential, except to 
those involved in the review process, to the extent permitted by 
law. In addition, the identities of review panel members will remain 
confidential throughout the entire review process and will not be 
released to applicants. At the end of the fiscal year, names of 
panel members will be made available. However, panelists will not be 
identified with the review of any particular application.

Part VI--Additional Information

A. Access to Panel Review Information

    Upon written request, a copy of rating forms, not including the 
identity of reviewers, will be sent to the applicant after the 
review and awards process has been completed.

B. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards

    Following approval of the applications selected for funding, 
notice of project approval and authority to draw down funds will be 
made to the selected applicants in writing. Within the limit of 
funds available for such purpose, the awarding official of RMA shall 
enter into partnership agreements with those applicants whose 
applications are judged to be most meritorious under the procedures 
set forth in this announcement. The partnership agreement will 
provide the amount of Federal funds for use in the project period, 
the responsibilities and benefits of the recipient and RMA, the 
terms and conditions of the award, and the time period for the 
project.
    The effective date of the partnership agreement shall be the 
date the agreement is executed by both parties. All funds provided 
to the applicant by FCIC must be expended solely for the purpose for 
which funds are obligated in accordance with the approved 
application and budget, the regulations, the terms and conditions of 
the award, and the applicability of Federal cost principles. No 
commitment of Federal assistance beyond the project period is made 
or implied, as a result of any award made pursuant to this 
announcement.

C. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

    When an application results in a partnership agreement, it 
becomes a part of the official record of RMA transactions, available 
to the public upon specific request. Information that the Secretary 
of Agriculture 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 be considered confidential, privileged, or proprietary 
should be clearly marked within an application. The original copy of 
a proposal that does not result in an award will be retained by RMA 
for a period of one year. Other copies will be destroyed. Such a 
proposal will be released only with the express written consent of 
the applicant or to the extent required by law. A proposal may be 
withdrawn at any time prior to award.

D. Reporting Document

    Applicants awarded the partnership agreements will be required 
to submit semi-annual progress and financial reports (SF-269) 
throughout the project period, as well as a final program and 
financial report not later than 90 days after the end of the project 
period.

E. Audit Requirements

    Applicants awarded the partnership agreements are subject to 
audit.

F. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regard to Lobbying

    Section 1352 of Public Law 101-121, enacted on October 23, 1989, 
imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and 
certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal 
contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides 
exemptions for Indian Tribes and tribal organizations. Current and 
prospective recipients, and any subcontractors, are prohibited from 
using Federal funds, other than profits from a Federal contract, for 
lobbying Congress or any Federal agency in connection with the award 
of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan. In addition, 
for each award action in excess of $100,000 ($150,000 for loans) the 
law requires recipients and any subcontractors (1) to certify that 
they have neither used nor will use any appropriated funds for 
payments of lobbyists; (2) to disclose the name, address, payment 
details, and purpose of any agreements with lobbyists whom 
recipients of their subcontractors will pay with profit or other 
nonappropriated funds on or after December 22, 1989; and (3) to file 
quarterly up-dates about the use of lobbyists if material changes 
occur in their use. The law establishes civil penalties for non-
compliance. A copy of the certification and disclosure forms must be 
submitted with the application and are available from David Fulk at 
the above stated address and telephone number.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2002.
Ross J. Davidson, Jr.,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 02-16502 Filed 6-28-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P