[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35843-35848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15205]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation


Request for Applications (RFA): Community Outreach and Assistance 
Partnership Program

ACTION: Announcement of availability of funds and request for 
applications for the Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership 
Program.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 522(d) of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act (Act), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), 
operating through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces the 
availability of up to approximately $3.5 million in fiscal year (FY) 
2003 for collaborative outreach and assistance programs for women, 
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-
served farmers and ranchers, who produce agricultural commodities 
covered by the noninsured crop disaster assistance program (7 U.S.C. 
7333); specialty crops; and under served commodities (For purposes of 
this announcement, these commodities are collectively referred to as 
``Priority Commodities''). Awards under this program will be made on a 
competitive basis for projects of up to one year. Recipients of awards 
must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a partnership agreement 
and must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the project. 
This announcement lists the information needed to submit an application 
under this program.
    Closing Dates: The closing date and time for receipt of 
applications under this RFA is 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 1, 2003. 
Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated by the 
technical review panel.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested 
parties are encouraged to contact: Marie Buchanan, National Outreach 
Program Manager, Telephone (202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, E-
mail: [email protected]. You may also obtain additional 
information regarding this announcement from the RMA Web site at http://www.rma.usda.gov. Applicants may download an application package for 
the community outreach and assistance partnership program from the Risk 
Management Agency (RMA) Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov. 
Applicants may also request an application package from: Marie 
Buchanan, USDA'RMA, Community Outreach and Assistance Program, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6709, Stop 0805, Washington, DC 20250-
0805. Telephone (202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, 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: USDA-RMA, Community Outreach and Assistance Programs, c/o Marie 
Buchanan, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6709, Stop 0805, 
Washington, DC 20250-0805.
    Completed and signed application packages sent via the U.S. Postal 
Service must also be sent to the above address. 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 and 0348-0040.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for these 
programs is 10.450.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of six parts:

Part I. General Information
    A. Legislative Authority
    B. Background
    C. Project Goal
    D. Purpose
    E Definition of Priority Commodities
Part II. Eligibility/Funding
    A. Eligible Applicants
    B. Non-financial Benefits
    C. Project Period
    D. Availability of Funds and Amounts
Part III. Program Description
    A. Recipient Activities
    B. RMA Activities
    C. Other 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. Requirement to Use Program Logo
    B. Requirement to Provide Project Information to an RMA 
representative
    C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflicts 
of Interest
    D. Access to Panel Review Information
    E. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards
    F. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
    G. Reporting Requirements
    H. Audit Requirements
    I. Prohibitions and Requirements with Regard to Lobbying
    J. Applicable OMB Circulars

[[Page 35844]]

Part I--Information for the Community Outreach and Assistance 
Partnership Program

A. General Information

1. Authority
    This program is authorized under section 522(d)(3)(F) of the 
Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act).
2. Background
    RMA promotes and regulates sound risk management solutions to 
improve the economic stability of American agriculture. On behalf of 
FCIC, RMA does this by offering Federal crop insurance products through 
a network of private-sector partners, overseeing the creation of new 
risk management products, seeking enhancements in existing products, 
ensuring the integrity of crop insurance programs, offering outreach 
programs aimed at equal access and participation of underserved 
communities, and providing risk management education and information.
    One of RMA's four strategic goals is to ensure that its customers 
are well informed as to the risk management solutions available. This 
educational goal is supported by section 522(d)(3)(F) of the Act, which 
authorizes FCIC funding for risk management training and informational 
efforts for agricultural producers through the formation of 
partnerships with public and private organizations. With respect to 
such partnerships, a priority is to be given to producers of Priority 
Commodities (as specified in subsection 5 of this section).
3. Project Goal
    The goal of this program is to ensure that `` * * * producers will 
be better able to use financial management, crop insurance, marketing 
contracts, and other existing and emerging risk management tools.''
4. Purpose
    The purpose of the Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership 
Program is to ensure that women, limited resource, socially 
disadvantaged, and other traditionally underserved producers of 
priority commodities are provided information and training necessary to 
use financial management, crop insurance, marketing contracts, and 
other existing and emerging risk management tools.
    Each partnership agreement awarded through this program will 
provide the applicant with funds, guidance, and the substantial 
involvement of RMA to carry out an outreach and assistance program for 
producers in a specific geographical area.
5. Definition of Priority Commodities
    For purposes of this program, Priority Commodities are defined as:
    [sbull] Agricultural commodities covered by (7 U.S.C. 7333). 
Commodities in this group are commercial crops that are not covered by 
catastrophic risk protection crop insurance, are used for food or fiber 
(except livestock), and specifically include, but are not limited to, 
floricultural, ornamental nursery, Christmas trees, turf grass sod, 
aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops.
    [sbull] Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may or may not 
be covered under a Federal crop insurance plan and include, but are not 
limited to, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, roots, herbs, 
and highly specialized varieties of traditional crops.
    [sbull] Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a) 
commodities, including livestock and forage, that are covered by a 
Federal crop insurance plan but for which participation in an area is 
below the national average; and (b) commodities, including livestock, 
with inadequate crop insurance coverage produced by women, limited 
resource, socially disadvantaged, or beginning farmers and ranchers.
    A project is considered as giving priority to Priority Commodities 
if the majority of the outreach and educational activities of the 
project are directed to producers of any of the three classes of 
commodities listed above or any combination of the three classes.

Part II-- Eligibility/Funding

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include educational institutions, community 
based organizations, associations of farmers, ranchers and other 
nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capabilities in developing 
and implementing risk management and other marketing options for 
priority commodities. Individuals are not eligible applicants. 
Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with other entities that 
complement, enhance and/or increase the effectiveness and efficiency of 
the proposed project.
    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 on a prior 
contract, cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination 
of a violation of applicable ethical standards).

2. Non-financial Benefits

    To be eligible, applicants must also be able to demonstrate that 
they will receive a non-financial benefit as a result of a 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 program).

3. Project Period

    Each project will be funded for a period of up to one year from the 
project starting date for the activities described in this 
announcement.

4. Availability of Funds and Amounts

    The amount of funds available in FY 2003 for support of partnership 
agreement awards under this program is up to approximately $3.5 
million. There is no commitment by USDA/RMA to fund any particular 
project or to make a specific number of awards. Applicants awarded a 
partnership agreement for an amount that is less than the amount 
requested will be required to modify their application to conform to 
the reduced amount before execution of the partnership agreement. No 
maximum or minimum funding levels have been established for individual 
projects or geographic locations. It is expected that the awards will 
be made approximately 60 days after the application deadline. All 
awards will be made and agreements completed no later than September 
30, 2003.
    Those applicants awarded partnership agreements require a match of 
ten (10) percent of the award amount. The applicant's contribution must 
be from non-federal funds and can be cash or in-kind.
    Partnership agreement funds may not be used to:
    1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility including a processing facility;
    2. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
    3. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
    4. Pay for the preparation of the partnership application;
    5. Fund political activities;
    6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this partnership 
agreement;
    7. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR Parts 3015 and 3019, as 
applicable.

[[Page 35845]]

Part III--Program Description

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this 
program, the award recipient will be responsible for the activities 
listed under paragraph 1 of this part. FCIC, working through RMA, will 
be substantially involved in the activities listed under paragraph 2.

1. Recipient Activities

    Award recipients will be required to perform the following 
activities:
    [sbull] Finalize an outreach delivery plan that will accomplish the 
purpose of this program. The plan must describe the manner in which 
various tasks for the project will be completed, the dates by which 
each task will be completed, and the partners that will have 
responsibility for each task. Task milestones must be listed so as to 
ensure that progress can be measured at various stages throughout the 
life of the project. The plan must also provide for the substantial 
involvement of RMA in the project. (Note: All partnership agreements 
resulting from this announcement will include delivery plans in a table 
format. The table can be obtained from the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov. All applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to 
this table when preparing a delivery plan and to use this format as 
part of the application narrative.)
    [sbull] Assemble risk management instructional materials 
appropriate for targeted audience to be used in delivering education 
and information. This will include: (a) Gathering existing 
instructional materials that meet the needs of agricultural producers 
of agricultural commodities; (b) identifying gaps in existing 
instructional materials; and (c) developing new materials or modifying 
existing instructional materials to fill existing gaps.
    [sbull] Develop and conduct a promotional program. This program 
will include activities using media, newsletters, publications, or 
other informational dissemination techniques that are designed to: (a) 
Raise awareness for risk management; (b) inform producers of the 
availability of risk management tools; and (c) inform producers of the 
training and informational opportunities being offered.
    [sbull] Deliver risk management training and informational 
opportunities to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals. 
This will include organizing and delivering outreach and educational 
activities using the instructional materials identified earlier. 
Activities should be directed primarily to agricultural producers, but 
may include those agribusiness professionals that have frequent 
opportunities to advise producers on risk management.
    [sbull] Document all outreach and educational activities conducted 
under the partnership agreement and the results of such activities, 
including criteria and indicators used to evaluate the success of the 
program. The recipient will also be required to provide information to 
an RMA representative to evaluate all educational activities and advise 
RMA as to the effectiveness of activities.

2. RMA Activities

    RMA will be responsible for the following activities:
    [sbull] Review and approve in advance the recipient's project 
delivery plan.
    [sbull] Collaborate with the recipient in assembling risk 
management materials for producers. This will include: (a) Reviewing 
and approving in advance all educational materials for technical 
accuracy; (b) serving on curriculum development workgroups; (c) 
providing curriculum developers with fact sheets and other risk 
management publications that have been prepared by RMA; (d) advising 
the applicant on the materials available over the internet through the 
AgRisk Education Library; (e) advising the applicant on technical 
issues related to crop insurance instructional materials; and (f) 
advising the applicant on the use of the standardized design and layout 
formats to be used on program materials.
    [sbull] Collaborate with the recipient on a promotional program for 
raising awareness for risk management and for informing producers of 
training and informational opportunities. This will include: (a) 
Reviewing and approving in advance all promotional plans, materials, 
and programs; (b) serving on workgroups that plan promotional programs; 
(c) advising the applicant on technical issues relating to the 
presentation of crop insurance products in promotional materials; and 
(d) participating, as appropriate, in media programs designed to raise 
general awareness or provide farmers with risk management education.
    [sbull] Collaborate with the recipient on the delivery of education 
to agricultural producers and agribusiness leaders. This will include: 
(a) Reviewing and approving in advance all producer and agribusiness 
educational delivery plans; (b) advising the applicant on technical 
issues related to the delivery of crop insurance education and 
information; and (c) assisting the applicant in informing crop 
insurance professionals about educational plans and scheduled meetings.
    [sbull] Reviewing and approving recipient's documentation of risk 
management educational and outreach activities.

3. Other Activities

    In addition to the specific, required activities listed above, the 
applicant may suggest other outreach activities that would contribute 
directly to the purpose of this program. For any additional activity 
suggested, the applicant should identify the objective of the activity, 
the specific tasks required to meet the objective, specific time lines 
for performing the tasks, and specific responsibilities of the 
partners. The applicant must also identify specific ways in which RMA 
could have substantial involvement in the proposed outreach activity.

Part IV--Preparation of an Application

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials under this announcement may be 
downloaded from the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov. 
Applicants may also request application materials from: Marie Buchanan, 
Telephone (202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, E-mail: 
[email protected].

B. Content of Applications

    A complete and valid application package must include an original, 
two paper copies, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format 
preferred) of the application package on diskette or compact disc and 
must include the following:
    1. Applicants must specify whether their application is a new, 
renewal, or resubmitted application and provide the required 
information in accordance with the following:
    2. New Applications--This is a project application that has not 
been preciously submitted to the RMA Outreach Program. All new 
applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process 
and evaluation criteria described in this RFA.
    3. Renewal Applications--This is a project proposal that requests 
additional funding for a project beyond the period that was approved in 
an original or amended award. Applications for renewed funding must 
contain the same information as required for new applications, and 
additionally must contain a Progress Report. Renewal applications must 
be received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in competition 
with other pending applications, and will be reviewed according to the 
same evaluation criteria as new applications.

[[Page 35846]]

    4. Resubmitted Applications--This is a proposal that was previously 
submitted to the RMA Outreach office, but was not funded. Resubmitted 
proposals must be reviewed by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated 
in competition with other pending applications, and will be reviewed 
according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.
    5. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for 
Federal Assistance.''
    6. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget 
Information--Non-construction Programs.'' Indirect costs allowed for 
projects submitted under this announcement will be limited to 10 
percent of the total direct cost of the partnership or cooperative 
agreement.
    7. A budget and detailed narrative in support of the budget that 
shows all funding sources and itemized costs for each line item 
contained in the SF-424A. All budget categories 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 SF-424A. 
There must be a detailed breakdown of all costs, including indirect 
costs. Include budget notes on each budget line item detailing how each 
line item was derived. Also provide a brief narrative description of 
any costs that may require explanation (i.e., why specific costs may be 
higher than market costs). Only items or services that are necessary 
for the successful completion of the project will be funded as 
permitted under the Act, the applicable Federal cost principles, and 
are not prohibited under any other Federal statute. Salaries of project 
personnel should be requested in proportion to the effort that they 
would devote to the project.
    8. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B--``Assurances, 
Non-constructive Programs.''
    9. A ``Statement of Non-financial Benefits.'' (Refer to Part I.B.2 
``Non-financial Benefits'')
    10. A narrative title page. This single page can provide: (a) The 
name of the project; (b) the name of the program; (c) the geographic 
area and target audience for which the project will be directed; (d) 
the organization submitting the application; (e) a listing of project 
partners; (f) a brief project summary; and (g) information needed to 
contact the project's leader, including an e-mail address.
    11. A written narrative (limited to fifteen single-sided pages) 
that describes the outreach project in detail, including the program 
delivery plan. The narrative should provide reviewers with sufficient 
information to effectively evaluate the merits of the application under 
the criteria contained in Part V. In preparing narratives, applicants 
are strongly encouraged to carefully review and understand the specific 
features and authorities governing the specific program for which funds 
are being requested, as described in this announcement. The narrative 
should include the circumstances giving rise to the proposed activity; 
a clear, concise statement of the objectives; the steps necessary to 
implement the program to attain the objectives; an evaluation plan for 
the activities; and a management and work plan that describes how the 
activities will be managed by the applicant. Also, all partnerships 
resulting from this announcement will have delivery plans that are 
prepared using a specific table format. The delivery plan should 
identify each objective and the key tasks to achieve the objective, the 
entity responsible for the task, the completion date, the task 
location, and RMA's role. A sample table format is available from the 
RMA Web site http://www.rma.usda.gov or can be provided by RMA upon 
request. Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to this table when 
preparing a delivery plan and to use this table format in that portion 
of the application narrative that addresses the delivery plan. The 
table can be attached as an Appendix to the narrative.
    12. An appendix containing exhibits that the applicant believes 
will directly support the information provided in the narrative. 
(Optional)
    13. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities.''
    14. A completed and signed AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters (Primary Covered 
Transactions.''
    15. A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-
Free Workplace.''

C. Submission of Applications

    1. An original and two paper copies of the completed and signed 
application, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format preferred) 
on diskette or compact disc must be submitted in one package at the 
time of initial submission.
    2. All applications must be received by the deadline. Applications 
that do not meet all the requirements in this announcement are 
considered as late applications. Late or incomplete applications will 
not be considered 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 only 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: Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership 
Program.''
    Mailed applications will be considered as 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 the extra 
time for delivery due to the additional security measures that mail 
delivered to government offices in the Washington D.C. area now 
requires.
    4. 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.
    5. The deadline for receipt of an application is 5 p.m. Eastern 
Time on August 1, 2003. The application deadline is firm as to date and 
hour and applies to submission of the original application and two 
copies.

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 the application. If an e-mail address is not indicated on 
an application, receipt will be acknowledged by letter. There will be 
no notification of incomplete, unqualified or unfunded applications 
until the awards have been made.
    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's 
identification number should be referenced in all correspondence 
regarding the application. If the

[[Page 35847]]

applicant does not receive an acknowledgement within 15 days of the 
submission deadline, the applicant should contact Marie Buchanan at 
(202) 690-2686.

Part V--Review Process

A. General

    Each application will be evaluated using a two-part process. First, 
each application will be screened by RMA personnel to ensure that it 
meets the requirements in this announcement. Applications that do not 
meet the requirements of this announcement or are incomplete will not 
receive further consideration.
    Second, a review panel will consider the merits of all applications 
that meet the requirements in the announcement. The evaluation of each 
application will be conducted by a panel of not less than three 
independent reviewers. Reviewers will be drawn 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 project 
that is being proposed for funding. The panel will examine and score 
applications based on the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' contained 
in this paragraph B of this part.
    Applications will be evaluated and scored in each of the four 
criteria listed below. The panel will be looking for the specific 
elements listed with each criterion when evaluating the applications 
and scoring them. For each application, panel members will assign a 
point value up to the maximum for each criterion. After all reviewers 
have evaluated and scored each of the applications, the scores for the 
entire panel will be averaged to determine an application's final 
score.
    After assigning points upon those criteria, applications will be 
listed in initial rank order and presented, along with funding level 
recommendations, to the Manager of FCIC, who will make the final 
decision on awarding of a partnership agreement. Applications will then 
be funded in final rank order until all available funds have been 
expended. Applicants must score 50 points or more during the first 
round to be considered for funding. Unused remaining funds from the 
first round of competition will be allocated to the second round of 
competition. Unless the applicant withdraws their proposal, eligible, 
but unfunded, proposals from the first competition will be considered 
in the second competition, with or without a revision by the applicant.
    An organization, or group of organizations in partnership, may 
apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to the 
programs described in this announcement. However, if the Manager of 
FCIC determines that an application recommended for funding under this 
announcement is sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded 
or has been recommended to be funded under another FCIC or RMA 
education or outreach program, then the Manager may elect to not fund 
that application in whole or in part.

B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights

    Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Project Management--Maximum 20 Points
    The applicant must demonstrate an ability to implement sound and 
effective project management practices. Higher scores will be awarded 
to applicants that can demonstrate organizational skills, leadership, 
and experience in delivering services or programs that assist women, 
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally 
underserved producers. If the applicant has been a recipient of other 
Federal or other government grants, cooperative agreements, or 
contracts, the applicant must also detail that they have consistently 
complied with financial and program reporting and auditing 
requirements. Applicants that will employ, or have access to, personnel 
who have experience in directing agricultural programs or providing 
outreach programs that benefit producers will receive higher rankings.
2. Collaborative Partnering--Maximum 50 Points
    The applicant must demonstrate experience and capacity to partner 
with and gain the support of other agencies, grower organizations, 
agribusiness professionals, and agricultural leaders to enhance the 
quality and effectiveness of the program. Applicants will receive 
higher scores to the extent that they can document and demonstrate: (a) 
That partnership commitments are in place for the express purpose of 
delivering the program in this announcement; (b) that a broad and 
diverse group of farmers and ranchers will be reached; and (c) that a 
substantial effort has been made to partner with organizations that can 
meet the needs of producers that are women, limited resource, socially 
disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and 
ranchers.
3. Delivery Plan--Maximum 15 Points
    The applicant must demonstrate that its program delivery plan is 
clear and specific. For each of the applicant's responsibilities 
contained in the description of the program, the applicant must 
demonstrate that it can identify specific tasks and provide reasonable 
time lines that further the purpose of this program. Applicants will 
obtain a higher score to the extent that the tasks of the project are 
specific, measurable, and reasonable, have specific time frames for 
completion, and relate directly to the required activities and program 
objectives described in this announcement. For guidance on a delivery 
plan format, applicants are encouraged to refer to the table in the 
appendix of this notice.
4. Project Benefits--Maximum 15 Points
    The applicant must demonstrate that the project benefits to women, 
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally 
underserved producers warrant the funding requested. Applicants will be 
scored according to the extent they can: (a) Reasonably estimate the 
number of producers reached through the project; (b) justify the 
estimates with clear specifics related to the delivery plan; (c) 
identify the actions producers will likely be able to take as a result 
of the project; and (d) identify specific measures for evaluating the 
success of the project. Reviewers' scoring will be based on the scope 
and reasonableness of the applicants' estimates of producers reached 
through the project, clear descriptions of specific expected project 
benefits for producers, and well-constructed plans for measuring the 
project's effectiveness.
5. Diversity--Maximum 20 Points
    Applicant must identify the geographic areas to be served. After 
applications have been evaluated and awarded points under the first 
four criteria, applications that promote the broadest geographic 
diversity will receive the highest score.

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

[[Page 35848]]

will be made available. However, panelists will not be identified with 
the review of any particular application.

Part VI--Additional Information

A. Requirement To Use Program Logo

    Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to use a 
program logo and design provided by RMA for all instructional and 
promotional materials.

B. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-selected 
Contractor

    Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to 
assist RMA in evaluating the effectiveness of its education programs by 
providing documentation of outreach activities and related information 
to any contractor selected by RMA for program evaluation purposes.

C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflicts of 
Interest

    Private organizations that are involved in the sale of Federal crop 
insurance, or that have financial ties to such organizations, are 
eligible to apply for funding under either of the two educational 
programs described in this announcement. However, such entities will 
not be allowed to receive funding to conduct activities that would 
otherwise be required under a Standard Reinsurance Agreement or any 
other agreement in effect between FCIC and the entity. Such entities 
will also not be allowed the receive funding to conduct activities that 
could be perceived by producers as promoting one company's services or 
products over another's. If applying for funding, such organizations 
are encouraged to be sensitive to potential conflicts of interest and 
to describe in their application the specific actions they will take to 
avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest.

D. Access to Panel Review Information

    Upon written request from the applicant, scores from the evaluation 
panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the 
applicant after the review and awards process has been completed.

E. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards

    Following approval by the awarding official of RMA of the 
applications selected for funding, project leaders whose applications 
have been selected for funding will be notified. Within the limit of 
funds available for such a purpose, the awarding official of RMA shall 
enter into a partnership agreements with those applicants whose 
applications are judged to be most meritorious under the procedures set 
forth in this announcement. The agreements provide the amount of 
Federal funds for use in the project period, the terms and conditions 
of the award, and the time period for the project.
    The effective date of the agreement shall be on the date the 
agreement is executed by both parties and it shall remain in effect for 
up to one year. RMA will then extend to award recipients, in writing, 
the authority to draw down funds for the purpose of conducting the 
activities listed in the agreement. All funds provided to the applicant 
by FCIC must be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are 
obligated in accordance with the approved agreement 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 for any award 
resulting from this notice. Notification of denial of funding will be 
sent to applicants after final funding decisions have been made. 
Reasons for denial of funding can include incomplete proposals, scored 
low or were duplicative.

F. 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, including the basis for such designation. 
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. Copies of proposals not receiving awards 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.

G. Reporting Requirements

    Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to 
submit quarterly progress and financial reports (OMB Standard Form 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.

H. Audit Requirements

    Applicants awarded partnership agreements are subject to audit.

I. 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 payment 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 profits 
or other non-appropriated 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 Marie Buchanan 
at the above stated address and telephone number.

J. Applicable OMB Circulars

    All partnership agreements funded as a result of this notice will 
be subject to the requirements contained in all applicable OMB 
circulars.

Ross J. Davidson, Jr.,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 03-15205 Filed 6-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P