[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57364-57371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23026]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Request for Applications (RFA): Innovative Programs for 
Addressing Common Community Problems

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

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

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SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service (CSREES) announces the availability of grant funds for a new 
activity, Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems 
(IPACCP). This notice requests applications for the IPACCP for fiscal 
year (FY) 2002 to support a grant to a non-governmental organization 
(NGO) to establish and operate a national information clearinghouse on 
innovative means for addressing common community problems. CSREES 
additionally requests stakeholder input from any interested party for 
use in the development of the next Request for Applications (RFA) for 
this program.
    The amount available for the support of IPACCP activities in FY 
2002 is $200,000.
    This notice identifies the objectives of the IPACCP project, 
eligibility criteria for the project and applicants, and the 
application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a 
IPACCP grant.

DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on 
September 20, 2002. Applications received after this deadline will not 
be considered for funding. Comments regarding this RFA are requested 
within six months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received 
after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered applications or applications 
submitted using express mail (U. S. Postal Service) or overnight 
courier service is: Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community 
Problems; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room 
1420, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW.; Washington, DC 20024; 
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications 
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by 
USDA.
    Written stakeholder 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]. (This e-mail address is intended 
only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting 
information or forms.) In your comments state that you are responding 
to the Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems 
RFA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested 
parties are encouraged to contact Elizabeth Tuckermanty, Program 
Director, Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 2241, Washington, DC 20250-2241; 
telephone: (202) 205-0241; fax: (202) 401-6488; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
PART I--GENERAL INFORMATION
    A. Legislative Authority and Background
    B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability
    C. Eligibility
    D. Matching Requirements
    E. Funding Restrictions
    F. Types of Applications
PART II--PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
    A. Project Types
    B. Program Description
PART III--PREPARATION OF AN APPLICATION
    A. Program Application Materials
    B. Content of Applications
    C. Submission of Applications

[[Page 57365]]

    D. Acknowledgment of Applications
PART IV--REVIEW PROCESS
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Factors
    C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
PART V--AWARD ADMINISTRATION
    A. General
    B. Organizational Management Information
    C. Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
PART VI--ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    A. Access to Review Information
    B. Use of Funds; Changes
    C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
    D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
    E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
    F. Regulatory Information
    G. Definitions

Stakeholder Input

    CSREES is requesting comments regarding this RFA 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 RFA for the program. CSREES has determined that this program 
is not an agricultural research, extension, or education program for 
the purpose 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 the statute to solicit stakeholder 
input regarding this RFA. CSREES, however, always welcomes constructive 
comments from interested parties regarding a RFA 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 this RFA 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, Innovative Programs for Addressing Common 
Community Problems.

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority and Background

    Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034), as 
amended by section 4125 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171), authorizes the provision of a competitive 
grant to one non-governmental organization (NGO) to coordinate with 
Federal agencies, States, political subdivisions, and other non-
governmental organizations (collectively referred to in this notice as 
``targeted entities'') to gather information on Innovative Programs for 
Addressing Common Community Problems, and recommend such programs to 
targeted entities.

B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability

1. Purpose and Priorities
    The purpose of the Innovative Programs for Addressing Common 
Community Problems (IPACCP) is to provide Federal funds to support 
coordination with targeted entities to gather information, and 
recommend to targeted entities: innovative programs for addressing 
common community problems. Common community problems refer to the 
underlying causes of hunger and poverty, including the loss of farms 
and ranches, rural poverty, welfare dependency, hunger, the need for 
job training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals and 
communities.
    The IPACCP grantee will: operate a national information 
clearinghouse on innovative means, including Community Food Projects, 
for addressing common community problems in the areas outlined above; 
provide information and guidance to other targeted entities on 
innovative programs that offer constructive, community-based or 
grassroots solutions to hunger, community food insecurity, and poverty; 
and contribute in-kind resources toward implementation of the grant.
2. Fund Availability
    The amount of funds available in FY 2002 for support of a grant 
award under the IPACCP is $200,000.

C. Eligibility

    Only non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are eligible to receive 
an IPACCP grant. Eligible NGOs must be:
    (1) Experienced in working with targeted entities-- Federal 
agencies, States, political subdivisions, and other non-governmental 
organizations--and in organizing workshops that demonstrate programs to 
targeted entities;
    (2) Experienced in identifying programs that effectively address 
community problems, including loss of farms and ranches, rural poverty, 
welfare dependency, hunger, the need for job training, and the need for 
self-sufficiency by individuals and communities, that can be 
implemented by other targeted entities;
    (3) Experienced in, and capable of receiving information from and 
communicating with targeted entities throughout the United States; and
    (4) Experienced in operating a national information clearinghouse 
that addresses one or more of the community problems described in 
paragraph (2) above.

D. Matching Requirements

    The legislation establishing the IPACCP requires that as a 
condition to receiving a grant from CSREES, the NGO must ``contribute 
in-kind resources toward the implementation of the grant.'' To comply 
with this provision, CSREES has determined that applicants must provide 
at least 25 percent of total project resources on an in-kind basis 
during the term of the grant award. The Federal share of IPACCP costs 
can be no more than 75 percent of total project costs.
    IPACCP grantees may provide matching resources through in-kind 
contributions from their own organization or from third-party in-kind 
contributions, fairly evaluated, including facilities. The non-Federal 
share of the resources 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 IPACCP activities.

E. Funding Restrictions

    Applicants should ensure their proposed work fully justifies the 
$200,000 that is available.
    The award 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 the 
successful applicant. The grantee shall perform a substantive portion 
of the project. No more than one-half of an IPACCP award, as determined 
by budget expenditures, may be subawarded or subcontracted to other 
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.

F. Types of Applications

    In FY 2002, applications should be submitted to the IPACCP as a New 
Application. This is a project application that has not been previously 
submitted to the Program. All New Applications will be reviewed

[[Page 57366]]

competitively using the selection process and evaluation criteria 
described in Part IV--Review Process.

Part II--Program Description

A. Project Types

    In FY 2002 $200,000 is available for a single, standard grant to 
establish and operate a national information clearinghouse for 
innovative approaches to common community problems and to provide 
information and guidance to other targeted entities on innovative 
programs. Applicants may request funding for up to three years in 
duration with a budget of not more than $200,000.

B. Program Description

    The purpose of the Innovative Programs for Addressing Common 
Community Problems is to gather and disseminate among local, community, 
state, and Federal organizations and agencies information about 
innovative programs that address or ameliorate common community 
problems in the general subject areas of food, nutrition, and 
agriculture, including the loss of farms and ranches, rural poverty, 
welfare dependency, hunger, community food insecurity, the need for job 
training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals and 
communities. The grantee should also receive and distribute information 
on Community Food Projects supported by CSREES.
    In addition to operating a national information clearinghouse on 
innovative means to address community problems, the grantee will also 
provide information and guidance on innovative programs through other 
means, for example, workshops, printed or copied materials, and 
electronic means. Clearinghouse information should be readily available 
to and easily accessible by Federal, state, and local government 
agencies, local community leaders, non-governmental organizations, and 
the public.

Part III--Preparation of An Application

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials (application kit) are available at 
the CSREES Funding Opportunities Web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). If you do not have access to the Web page or have 
trouble downloading material and you would like a hardcopy, you may 
contact the Proposal Services Unit, USDA/CSREES at (202) 401-5048. When 
calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you are 
requesting the RFA and associated application forms for the Innovative 
Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems. These materials also 
may be requested via Internet by sending a message with your name, 
mailing address (not e-mail) and phone number to [email protected]. State 
that you want a copy of the RFA and the associated application forms 
for IPACCP and request that the materials be sent by overnight 
delivery.

B. Content of Applications

    The application should be prepared following the guidelines and the 
instructions below. Each application must contain the following 
elements in the order indicated:
1. General
    Use the following guidelines to prepare an application. Proper 
preparation of applications will assist reviewers in evaluating the 
merits of each application in a systematic, consistent fashion:
    (a) Prepare the application 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) Number each page of the application sequentially, starting with 
the Project Description, including the budget pages, required forms, 
and any appendices.
    (c) Staple the application in the upper left-hand corner. Do not 
bind. An original and four copies (five total) must be submitted in one 
package.
    (d) Include original illustrations (photographs, color prints, 
etc.) in all copies of the application to prevent loss of meaning 
through poor quality reproduction.
    (e) The contents of the application should be assembled in the 
following order:
    (1) Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002, Page A)
    (2) Table of Contents
    (3) Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
    (4) Project Description
    (5) References
    (6) Appendices to Project Description
    (7) Key Personnel
    (8) Collaborative Arrangements (including Letters of Support)
    (9) Budget (Form CSREES-2004)
    (10) Budget Narrative
    (11) Matching
    (12) Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
    (13) Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
    (14) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
(Form CSREES-2006)
    (15) Page B, Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002), Personal Data 
on Project Director
2. Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
    Please note that Form CSREES-2002 is comprised of two parts--Page A 
which is the ``Proposal Cover Page'' and Page B which is the ``Personal 
Data on Project Director.''

Page A

    Each copy of each grant application must contain a ``Proposal Cover 
Page,'' Form CSREES-2002. One copy of the application, preferably the 
original, must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing 
Project Directors (PD's) and the Authorized Organizational 
Representative (AOR), the individual who possesses the necessary 
authority to commit the organization's time and other relevant 
resources to the project. If there are more than three co-PD's for an 
application, please list additional co-PD's on a separate sheet of 
paper (with appropriate information and signatures) and attach to the 
Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002). Any proposed PD or co-PD whose 
signature does not appear on Form CSREES-2002 or attached additional 
sheets will not be listed on any resulting grant award. Complete both 
signature blocks located at the bottom of the ``Proposal Cover Page'' 
form.
    Form CSREES-2002 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant 
database; it is therefore important that it be accurately completed in 
its entirety, especially the e-mail addresses requested in blocks 4.c. 
and 18.c. However, the following items are highlighted as having a high 
potential for errors or misinterpretations:
    (a) Type of Performing Organization (Blocks 6A and 6B). For block 
6A, a check should be placed in the appropriate box to identify the 
non-profit or non-governmental organization which is the legal 
applicant named in block 1. Only one box should be checked. For block 
6B, please check as many boxes that apply to the affiliation of the PD 
listed in block 16.
    (b) Title of Proposed Project (Block 7). The title of the project 
must be brief (140-character maximum, including spaces), yet represent 
the major thrust of the effort being proposed.
    (c) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 8). Enter Innovative 
Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems or IPACCP.

[[Page 57367]]

    (d) Type of Request (Block 14). Check the block for ``New.''
    (e) Project Director (PD) (Blocks 16-19). Blocks 16-18 are used to 
identify the PD and Block 19 to identify co-PD's. If needed, additional 
co-PD's may be listed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to Form 
CSREES-2002, the Proposal Cover Page, with the applicable co-PD 
information and signatures. Listing multiple co-PD's, beyond those 
required for genuine collaboration, is discouraged.

Page B

    Page B should be submitted only with the original signature copy of 
the application and should be placed as the last page of the original 
copy of the application. This page contains personal data on the PD(s). 
CSREES requests this information in order to monitor the operation of 
its review and awards processes. This page will not be duplicated or 
used during the review process. Please note that failure to submit this 
information will in no way affect consideration of your application.
3. Table of Contents
    For consistency and ease in locating information, each application 
must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately following the 
proposal cover page. The Table of Contents should contain page numbers 
for each component of the application. Page numbering should begin with 
the first page of the Project Description.
4. Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
    The application must contain a ``Project Summary,'' Form CSREES-
2003. The summary should be no more than 250 words, contained within 
the box, placed immediately after the Table of Contents, and not be 
numbered. The names and affiliated organizations of all PD's and co-
PD's 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; plans to accomplish project goal(s); 
and relevance of the project to the goals of the program. The 
importance of a concise, informative Project Summary cannot be 
overemphasized. If there are more than four co-PD's for an application, 
please list additional co-PD's on a separate sheet of paper (with 
appropriate information) and attach to the Project Summary (Form 
CSREES-2003).
5. Project Description
    Please Note: The Project Description shall not exceed 15 pages 
of written text and up to 10 pages of additional pages for figures 
and tables. This maximum (25 pages) has been established to ensure 
fair and equitable competition.
    A narrative Project Description must repeat and respond to the 
points in (a) through (d) below:

    (a) How common community problems upon which information is to be 
gathered will be identified. Succinctly describe the process by which 
the most common community problems contributing to food insecurity, in 
the opinion of the applicant, will be identified. This section should 
also address how information on innovative programs addressing such 
problems will be gathered. At a minimum, these problems should include: 
loss of farms and ranches; rural poverty; welfare dependency; hunger; 
the need for job training; and the need for self-sufficiency by 
individuals and communities.
    Information on CSREES supported Community Food Projects (CFP) must 
also be gathered, and the applicant should describe how, in 
coordination with CSREES and the Community Food Security Coalition, CFP 
information will be gathered and disseminated.
    (b) How targeted entities will be identified. The applicant should 
provide a systematic approach to identifying appropriate targeted 
entities--Federal agencies, States, political subdivisions, and other 
non-governmental organizations--involved in food, nutrition, and 
agriculture issues.
    (c) How IPACCP information will be delivered to targeted entities. 
Applicants should detail potential methods for delivering information 
to targeted entities. Describe experience in delivering information on 
programs that effectively address community problems, including loss of 
farms and ranches, rural poverty, welfare dependency, hunger, the need 
for job training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals and 
communities, that can be implemented by other targeted entities;
    (d) How a national information clearinghouse will be organized and 
operated. Applicants should discuss how a national clearinghouse will 
function in responding to inquiries about hunger and poverty issues. 
Applicants should address how various types of requests--telephonic, 
electronic, and mail--will be handled to provide expeditious responses 
to targeted entities.
    (e) Organizational experience. Provide information on the 
applicant's experience in IPACCP-type activities. To be eligible for an 
award, the applicant and/or collaborators must be experienced in 
working with targeted entities and in organizing workshops, identifying 
model programs, receiving and communicating information, and operating 
a national clearinghouse. If other NGOs are to be involved in carrying 
out the proposed work plan, their role should be outlined and their 
experience also detailed in the application. Letters from the 
organizations involved acknowledging their support and contributions 
must be provided in an appendix to the proposal.
    (f) 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.
    (g) Evaluation. The IPACCP grantee will work in conjunction with 
the Community Food Security Coalition to determine appropriate 
evaluation measures for IPACCP activities and then proceed to institute 
those measures. The Community Food security Coalition currently has an 
evaluation grant so coordination is important.
6. References
    All references to works cited should be completed, including titles 
and all co-authors, and should conform to an acceptable journal format. 
References are not considered in the page-limitation for the Project 
Description.
7. Appendices to Project Description
    Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are 
directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices 
should not be used to circumvent the text and/or figures and tables 
page limitations.
8. Key Personnel
    The following should be included as appropriate:
    (a) The roles and responsibilities of each PD and/or collaborator 
should be clearly described; and
    (b) The vitae of the PD and each co-PD, senior associate, and other 
professional personnel. This section should include the vitae of all 
key persons who are expected to work on the project, whether or not 
CSREES funds are sought for their support. The vitae should be limited 
to two (2) pages each in length, excluding publications listings. The 
vitae should include a presentation of academic and research 
credentials, as applicable, e.g., earned

[[Page 57368]]

degrees, teaching experience, employment history, professional 
activities, honors and awards, and grants received. A chronological 
list of all publications in refereed journals during the past four (4) 
years, including those in press, must be provided for each project 
member for whom a curriculum vitae is provided. Also list only those 
non-refereed technical publications that have relevance to the proposed 
project. All authors should be listed in the same order as they appear 
on each paper cited, along with the title and complete reference as 
these usually appear in journals.
9. Collaborative Arrangements
    If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or 
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be 
fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s) 
are known at the time of application, a vitae or resume should be 
provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letter or support) should be 
provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these 
services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional 
information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of 
the application. See instructions in the application forms for 
completing Form CSREES-2004, Budget.
10. Budget
(a) Budget Form (Form CSREES-2004)
    Prepare the Budget, Form CSREES-2004, in accordance with 
instructions provided with the application forms. A budget form is 
required for each year of requested support. In addition, a cumulative 
budget is required detailing the requested total 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 statutes, regulations, and Federal cost principles, and 
these program guidelines, and can be justified as necessary for the 
successful conduct of the proposed project. Applicants also must 
include a budget narrative to justify their budget requests (see 
section 11 below.)
(b) 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 L. 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. An applicant 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 requested'' 
should be written in this space.
11. Budget Narrative
    All budget categories, with the exception of Indirect Costs, for 
which support is requested, must be individually listed (with costs) in 
the same order as the budget and justified on a separate sheet of paper 
and placed immediately behind the Budget form.
12. Matching
    As stated in above, in-kind matching resources are mandatory for 
all IPACCP projects. All of the applicant's matching support should be 
shown on the original budget in the appropriate categories (salary, 
materials and supplies, equipment, etc.) A budget narrative for these 
items must also be included. Proposals should include written 
verification of commitments of matching support of in-kind 
contributions from third parties.
    Written verification means that 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.
13. Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
    All applications must contain Form CSREES-2005 listing other 
current public or private support (including in-house support) to which 
personnel (i.e., individuals submitting a vitae in response to item 
8.(b) of this part) identified in the application have committed 
portions of their time, whether or not salary support for person(s) 
involved is included in the budget. Please follow the instructions 
provided on this form. Concurrent submission of identical or similar 
applications to possible sponsors will not prejudice application review 
or evaluation by CSREES. However, an application that duplicates or 
overlaps substantially with an application already reviewed and funded 
(or to be funded) by another organization or agency will not be funded 
under this program. Please note that the project being proposed should 
be included in the pending section of the form.
14. Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
    A number of situations encountered in the conduct of projects 
require special assurances, supporting documentation, etc., before 
funding can be approved for the project. In addition to any other 
situation that may exist with regard to a particular project, 
applications involving any of the following elements must comply with 
the additional requirements as applicable.
15. Certifications
    Note that by signing Form CSREES-2002 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 application since by signing Form CSREES-2002 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, Certification Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower 
Tier Covered Transactions, to the grantee organization for retention in 
their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.

[[Page 57369]]

16. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form 
CSREES-2006)
    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service 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 
some cases, however, the preparation of environmental data may not be 
required. Certain categories of actions are excluded from the 
requirements of NEPA.
    In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is 
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the 
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary; 
therefore, Form CSREES-2006, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must be included 
in the application indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion 
that the project falls within a categorical exclusion and the reasons 
therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion that the proposed project 
falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific exclusion(s) must 
be identified.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an 
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if 
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other 
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause 
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.

C. Submission of Applications

1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
    Applications must be received by COB on September 20, 2002 (5 p.m. 
Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will not be 
considered for funding.
2. What To Submit
    An original and four copies (a total of five copies) of the 
application must be submitted in one package.
3. Where To Submit
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications 
via overnight mail, U.S. Postal Service express mail or delivery 
service to ensure timely receipt by the USDA. The address for hand-
delivered applications or applications submitted using express mail (U. 
S. Postal Service) or overnight courier service is:
    Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems, c/o 
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1420, 
Waterfront Centre, 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024. 
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address:
    Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems, 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 Applications

    The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by e-mail. 
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-
mail addresses, where designated, on the Form CSREES-2002. If the 
applicant's e-mail address is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge 
receipt of the application by letter.
    If the applicant does not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days 
of the submission deadline, please contact the program director. Once 
the application has been assigned an application number, please cite 
that number on all future correspondence.

Part IV--Review Process

A. General

    Each application will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, 
each application will be screened to ensure that it meets the 
administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, 
applications that meet these requirements will be technically evaluated 
by CSREES staff.
    Since the award process must be completed by September 30, 2002, 
applicants should submit fully developed applications that meet all the 
requirements set forth in this RFA 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.
    At least three members of the CSREES staff will conduct the merit 
review based on the evaluation criteria. Evaluated applications will be 
ranked based on merit. Final approval for the application recommended 
for an award will be made by the Administrator.

B. Evaluation Factors

    The evaluation of Innovative Programs for Addressing Common 
Community Problems applications by CSREES 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 common community problems upon which information will be 
gathered will be identified. The applicant should describe its process 
for identifying community problems related to hunger and poverty, along 
with proposed solutions for such problems, and how the applicant will 
determine which problems and solutions will be included in the 
clearinghouse database (20 points);
    2. How the applicant will identify and collect information from 
targeted entities (20 points);
    3. The appropriateness of methods to deliver IPACCP information to 
targeted entities. The applicant should describe the full range of 
activities that will deliver information to targeted entities and how 
it will determine which method is most appropriate for which targeted 
entity (20 points);
    4. How the applicant will organize and operate a national 
information clearinghouse on IPACCP issues (20 points); and
    5. Organizational experience in researching and disseminating 
information on IPACCP issues (20 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. Evaluations will be confidential to USDA staff 
members, expert reviewers, and the project director(s), to the extent 
permitted by law.
    Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as 
application content and peer and staff evaluations, will be kept 
confidential, except to those involved in the review process, to the 
extent permitted by law. In addition, the identities of reviewers will 
remain confidential throughout the entire review process. Therefore, 
the names of the reviewers will not be released to applicants.

Part V--Award Administration

A. General

    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official of CSREES shall make grant to the

[[Page 57370]]

applicant whose application is judged most meritorious under the 
procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the awarding 
official of CSREES 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 practical so that project goals may be attained within 
the funded project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this RFA 
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 and 3019 of 7 CFR).

B. 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 RFA, 
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 pre-award 
process. Although an applicant may be eligible based on its status as 
one of these entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant 
from receiving Federal financial and non-financial assistance and 
benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an 
individual involved or a determination that an applicant is not 
responsible based on submitted organizational management information).

C. Award Document and Notice of Award

    The grant award document will provide pertinent instructions and 
information, including at a minimum, the following:
    (1) Legal name and address of performing organization or 
institution to whom the Administrator has awarded a grant under the 
terms of this request for applications;
    (2) Title of project;
    (3) Name(s) and institution(s) of PD's chosen to direct and control 
approved activities;
    (4) Identifying grant number assigned by the Department;
    (5) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department 
intends to support the project without requiring re-competition for 
funds;
    (6) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by 
the Administrator during the project period;
    (7) Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is awarded;
    (8) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds 
to accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
    (9) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to 
carry out its respective granting activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular grant.

Part VI--Additional Information

A. Access To Review Information

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

B. 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 IPACCP funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
    a. The permissible changes by the grantee, PD(s), or other key 
project personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes 
in methodology, techniques, or other similar 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 Authorized Departmental 
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of 
the award document, not the program contact.
    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 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 
the grant.
    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 grant 
award.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

    Upon the award of a grant, applicants will be requested to finalize 
goals and objectives against which progress will be measured on an 
annual basis. Grantees must submit an annual report narrative and 
budget summary detailing activities and expenditures on the project. A 
format for these reports will be provided on an annual basis by CSREES.

D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations

    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
applications considered for review and to project grants awarded under 
this program. These include, but are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1, Subpart A--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 (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122) 
and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the 
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95-224), 
as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of 
Departmental financial assistance.

[[Page 57371]]

    7 CFR part 3016--USDA 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 prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal grants, cooperative 
agreements, and loans.
    7 CFR part 3019--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 Non-profit Organizations.
    7 CFR part 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. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards

    When an application results in a grant, it becomes a part of the 
record of CSREES 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 
application. The original copy of an application that does not result 
in a grant will be retained by the Agency for a period of one year. 
Other copies will be destroyed. Such an application will be released 
only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by 
law. An application 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 29114, 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 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in 
this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

G. Definitions

    For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are 
applicable:
    (1) Administrator means the Administrator of CSREES and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is 
delegated.
    (2) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any 
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify 
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
    (3) 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.
    (4) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) 
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    (5) Common Community Problems means problems or issues that are or 
contribute to the underlying causes of hunger and poverty, including 
the loss of farms and ranches, rural poverty, welfare dependency, the 
need for job training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals 
and communities.
    (6) 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.
    (7) Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    (8) 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 project.
    (9) Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    (10) Innovative Programs to Address Common Community Problems means 
activities outlined in section 25 (h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as 
amended.
    (11) Matching means that portion of project costs not borne by the 
Federal Government, including the value of in-kind contributions.
    (12) Non-governmental organization means in a literal sense any 
organization that is independent from government. NGOs are typically 
value-based organizations. Although the NGO sector has become 
increasingly professionalized over the last two decades, principles of 
altruism and voluntarism remain key defining characteristics.
    (13) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent 
by an authorized departmental officer.
    (14) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    (15) 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.
    (16) Project period means the period, as stated in the award 
document, during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.
    (17) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other 
officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture to whom the 
authority involved is delegated.
    (18) Targeted entities means Federal agencies, States, political 
subdivisions, and non-governmental organizations.
    (19) 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 benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 4th day of September 2002.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-23026 Filed 9-9-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P